Cradling Chaos

Let's review the last week, shall we? Monday - Rachel worked 12 hours shepherding 86 Japanese exchangees from the airport to a hotel in two batches. Alex and Lil ran errands and maintained the home front.

Tuesday - Rachel worked another 12 hours orienting said exchangees to the ways of American life. Alex and Lil visited to meet the college student, Yukari, who would be staying with us after Alex teleworked a full day from home.

Wednesday - Rachel spent 8 hours getting Japanese students on their way to host families around the state. Meanwhile, our friend Uncle Leonard and his partner Gina arrived and began construction on a new mud room with Alex. In the afternoon, Rachel and Yukari came home, relieved the house of the 'Mess When Mom's Not Home', went to the grocery store, and made a from-the-garden from-scratch dinner.

Thursday - Alex and Len continued work on the porch all day while Alex simultaneously smoked pork shoulder and bacon. Rachel seeded fall vegetables and fed the crowd lunch and dinner from scratch. Later, she and Yukari went to a budget meeting with staff of the School For Young Children (SYC). On the way home, they picked up Jeni's Ice Cream for a pre-birthday celebration.

Friday - Alex's working birthday! Rachel, Lil, and Yukari toured SYC in the morning while Alex and Len worked madly to finish the roof of the mud room before expected rains Friday night and Saturday. When Rachel and the girls returned home, they cooked lunch and then mac and cheese and shredded cabbage for the following day. In the late afternoon, Rachel, Yukari, Lil, and Gina caravanned with Rachel's sisters to Legend Hills Orchard for some peach and apple picking on the way to help their cousin move. They returned home at 9:30 after moving and eating dinner with extended family.

Saturday - Rachel sold magnificent mushrooms (locally foraged chanterelles, people!) for Swainway Urban Farm while it rained for hours. Meanwhile, Alex baked 72 buns from Dave's perfect bun recipe. When Rachel returned, they braved drizzles to clean up the construction debris. Rachel's parents arrived as the rain stopped to set up tents, chairs, and tables. Rachel finished cooking, showered, and then the family welcomed 70 friends and family to a summer shindig with a local and from-scratch meal of pulled pork sandwiches, homemade bbq sauce, home-grown coleslaw, homemade macaroni and cheese, creamy cheese tarts with Berryfield blueberries, house whiskey punch, and homebrew.

Sunday - Everyone slept in. Along with the rest of central Ohio, Rachel, Alex, Lil, and Yukari went to the state fair for Ohio 4-H International day. They left in time to eat dinner at Alex's parents.

Monday - Rachel squashed squash bug eggs, pulled weeds, and harvested ten pounds of split tomatoes for stewing. Yukari and Rachel began preparing peaches for peach jam. Alex and Len installed the last windows, walls, and a door to the mud room. In the afternoon, the ladies completed an epic souvenir shopping trip. After a dinner of backyard chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad, Yukari and Rachel went to City Folk's Farm Shop for the Home Ec potluck.

Chaos Is Our Way Of Life

In these heady days of summer when fruit is ripe, weeds are prolific, and projects beg for completion before cooler weather, our day-to-day feels like a string of never-ending madness. There's fun mixed in with the chores, though, and garden-fresh flavors reward our work. Our muscles are sore, minds racing with new ideas, and hearts full of love for the land and people we interact with.

We cradle the chaos. Like a tiny newborn who grows so quickly, we recognize that this busy season will draw to a close soon enough. We can rest later. Until then, we'll let produce and projects full the long sunny days.

Seasonal Snaps: Summer Solstice 2013

Welcome summer! Things are green around here. In the front yard, we have a squash and grains patch and the Swainway Urban Farm annex, six long rows of organic tomatoes, peppers, beets, and celery root.

Out back, the baby orchard is coming along. We're collecting no fruit from these trees, but are eating mulberries from a wild tree and looking forward to harvest from an existing apple and pear tree.

We've taken down trees, built a new coop, and started many gardens near the house. The natural playground balance beam, steps, and swinging rope lie between the orchard and near gardens.

Chicks are growing too. Lil and I allowed this Buff Brahma to explore the hoop house recently. We've eaten peas, greens, strawberries, radishes and beets from the hoop house this spring; the beds now contain tomatoes and peppers.

We couldn't be more pleased with the progress from winter solstice 2012 to spring equinox 2013 to now. We're not stopping yet - we have plans for a big harvest, mud room, and maybe even a renovated indoor kitchen before the next season change.

What's happening in your neck of the woods?

Keep Yourself and Your Plants Cool This Summer & Duluth Trading Giveaway!

Warm days are here to stay, hooray! As the temperatures rise, staying cool becomes all the more important. Here's how we keep ourselves cool in the summer:

1) Don a hat - a lightweight hat keeps sun off the face which keeps your whole body cool. In addition, it shades your eyes which prevents eye strain and headaches.

2) Wear light-colored, breathable clothing - Clothing made from materials like wool and bamboo are naturally breathable. New woven synthetics can match their drying power. The folks at Duluth Trading gave me a chance to try out some of their clothing made from lightweight, wicking fabric. The Armachillo shirt I'm wearing in these pictures has clever vents along the back to stay even cooler.

3) Work smart - Carry tools with you to prevent running back to the garage, stay in shade, and work in the cooler morning or evening if possible. Many women's pants don't have enough pockets but the quick dry work pants from Duluth Trading have plenty of places for hand tools, seed packets and cellphone.

Keep your plants happy and productive this summer by ensuring they stay cool too. Here's how:

1) Water at the soil surface because it minimizes evaporation. If you water on a sunny day on top of plants, the droplets can be like little magnifying glasses and cause sun scortch on the leaves. Push your hose or can to the bottom of the plant for best results.

2) Water deeply every three to four days instead of lightly every day. This way, even the deepest roots get to soak up a drink and you aren't spending as much time watering.

3) Mulch or plant short plants under taller ones to retain moisture. We're experimenting with planting carrots and lettuces under our tomatoes and peppers this year to keep down weeds, give us a secondary crop, and act as living mulch for water retention.

Want to have your Summer Solved? I have a $50 gift card to Duluth Trading Company for one lucky person. Enter to win in one or both of these ways:

1) Leave a comment below about how to beat the summer heat or anything else that's on your mind.

2) Like Harmonious Homestead on Facebook and leave a comment telling me you did, or already do.

Duluth Trading Company is offering free US shipping for orders over $50 now through June 30, 2013. Just enter code “T13PRCG”.

Giveaway rules: The giveaway winner will be chosen by random.org from all valid entries on Sunday May 12 at 8 pm and winner will have 24 hours to respond by email. The gift card giveaway is open to anyone who can receive the card at a US or Canadian address. 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Seasonal Snaps: Spring Equinox 2013

The homestead has changed in many ways since I posted Winter Solstice 2013 Seasonal Snaps, though I felt wind on my cheeks and spied snow in the air on both photography days. Mostly we have been building and hauling; we're eager to finally see edibles growing at the next turn of the seasons. Not much action in the front yet, pictured in fleeting sunlight.

Careful eyes will spot the new mailbox at the road, a result of a drunk driver smashing our old one to smithereens.

In the backyard, Jacob Sauer Tree Care recently removed a dying honey locust to give more light and eliminate the thorn hazards. We agreed to haul the brush and cut all wood to save costs, a chore that has taken many days. You may be able to spot a catalpa and oak tree Alex cut down further back in the yard.

You can also see the hoop house in this picture, off to the left. We built a 10x20 foot season-extending structure  over several work days with the help of many friends. One of three beds inside is already planted with greens and roots.

Here's the hoop house from the back of the yard. You can also see the dirt pile we're hosting for City Folk's Farm Shop*. That big empty area in the foreground? It's where the family who owned the house before us traditionally kept their garden. We'll use the well-drained spot for an orchard with alley plantings in between rows.

I have to admit I'm a little disappointed in how similar the two seasons appear for all the aches my body feels from working outside. Surely June 21, the summer solstice, will yield a totally different view.

*Alex, Lil, and I want to wish Shawn and Gerry at City Folk's a VERY HAPPY FIRST ANNIVERSARY! We love having this shop in our vicinity for homsteading supplies and education. They are hosting a homestead tool swap, chicken feed giveaway, silent auction, and more fun activities during their birthday week - go visit!

It's That Time Again

I am surprised every summer when I become so busy I can scarcely think. But here I am again, surrounded by the bounty of the growing season and the resultant canning projects, classes, tours, and events. Check out this week:

Saturday (yesterday): Work at Clintonville Farmers' Market, attend Veggie U Food and Wine Celebration Sunday: Visit Eshelman Farm, process some of their peaches, plums, and apricots Monday: Begin sustainable pork tour Tuesday: Continue sustainable pork tour, begin volunteer leadership role at Ohio 4-H International Program Orientation for 100 Japanese youth and adults Wednesday: Orientation all day Thursday: Alex's Birthday! Orientation in morning, work at New Albany Farmers' Market in afternoon Friday: Homeschool evaluation, can peaches (I hope they last this long!) Saturday: Work Clintonville Farmers' Market, celebrate Alex's birthday Sunday: Visit Ohio State Fair for 4-H International Day

I have taken and will continue to snap lots of pictures but barely have a second to check email and work for clients, let alone write a blog post. They will come - inspirations from the Veggie U event, a review of the orchard, pictures of the adorable Japanese youth, and impressions from the pork tour. I hope to finish and introduce you to a recipe index soon too.

If Henry David Thoreau is correct that “success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it,” you will see me make it big soon.

Cooked Crayon Canvas {Wordless Wednesday}

All the random crayons in the house + one cheap canvas + a couple hours in the endless summer sun guarded by a little dog = a colorful artwork, our first inspired-by-Pinterest project

Six Tips for Planning Summertime Fun

Today is the Ohio Blogging Association's All State Blog Swap where bloggers from all around the state are swapping posts. My guest is Danielle from Find Time for Fun...in Northeast Ohio, a great resource for parents looking for fun family activities in the Cleveland area. Visit Poise in Parma today to read the rest of the All State Blog Swap posts and check out my post about how to Find Time for Fun in Columbus. Summer is right around the corner, and for many families the break from school combined with the warm weather and additional daylight hours provides a great opportunity for family outings.

As you look forward to the upcoming months, here are 6 tips for planning summertime fun.

Get out and Enjoy Nature

Because of the warm weather summertime lends itself to outdoor activities, and there are many ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

• Hike the trails at an area Metropark
• Grab a kite and head out to your backyard or neighborhood playground
• Join a sporting league (Baseball, Soccer, Running Club etc.)
• Participate in a nature based educational events offered by area Nature Centers
• Spend the afternoon at a dog park
• Get a GPS device or a GPS enabled mobile phone, and go Geocaching

Explore Local Farmer’s Markets

Support local farmers and purchase high quality locally grown foods at area farmers markets. One of my favorite aspects of farmer’s markets is getting to talk directly with the farmers. They are often passionate about their profession and are always extremely helpful. Bring along your children so they can learn about various fruits and vegetables too.

Visit Summer Festivals

On any given summer weekend there are typically a half dozen or more different festivals taking place. With themes ranging from Hot Air Balloons, Strawberries, Duct Tape, Music and Ethnic Cuisine, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Festivals can also be an affordable option as many are free to the public. Find out details on upcoming Ohio Festivals here.

Beat the Heat at area Spraygrounds and Swimming Pools

Don’t spend the hot summer days indoors with the air conditioner on full blast! Instead find an area swimming pool or sprayground. Many offer one day admittance, but if you plan to visit often, save money by purchasing a season pass.

Be prepared with Snacks and Beverages

It’s inevitable that someone will get hungry during your outing, so be sure to pack some snack items like granola bars, fruit, or trail mix. Having healthy snack options readily available can provide a pick me up when it is most needed.

In addition, I always recommend bringing along drinks, and it is especially important to do so during the hot summer months. Invest in some insulated reusable bottles or thermoses for your drinks. They will stay colder longer and can be easily refilled during the outing.

Dress for the Weather and Don’t Forget the Sunscreen

Always remember to check the weather forecast before heading out. Use the forecast and these considerations when deciding what to wear.

• Will there be a lot of walking? If so, wear comfortable shoes. You may even consider bringing along a second pair of socks. Changing into a fresh pair halfway through the outing makes a big difference.
• Does the activity involve water, or is there a chance you’ll get dirty? If so, pack a change of clothes and shoes for the drive home.
• Will you be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time? If so, consider bringing along some sunglasses or a hat to shield your eyes. Always apply sunblock before leaving home and bring along the bottle so you can reapply throughout the day.
• Will you be out after the sun goes down? If so, you may want to bring a light jacket to keep warm as the temperature drops.

As you look toward the summer months, I hope these ideas help you plan your family outings. Summer truly is a great time to be with family and friends, and I hope you make fun outings a priority in your schedule. I promise that you’ll be thankful you did.

Do you have any other suggestions for planning memorable summertime activities?

Zucchini Pronto {Recipe}

Summer means two things in Ohio: an abundance of zucchini and heat. The savvy home cook needs an equal amount of creative recipes that come together in quick minute so as not to warm up the kitchen and make the cook sweat. Zucchini Pronto is one such dish. Basi Italia introduced me to the concept, the same restaurant that inspired my home version of their marinated kale salad.

Like many quick-cooking meals, this recipe requires thorough mise en place. Shred and prepare all ingredients so they are ready at hand. Use a heavy bottomed or cast iron skillet heated very hot and have bowls or plates set out before cooking so the zucchini can be plated instantly.

What are your favorite ways to prepare a plethora of zucchini?

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Zucchini Pronto serves two as an appetizer or side dish

2 tablespoons high quality olive oil 1/4 cup slivered almonds 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 medium) white pepper 8-10 very thin 3 inch shreds of Parmesan or Peccorino cheese (use the very best you can afford)

1. Heat a large cast iron pan over high heat. 2. Add olive oil. Then layer almonds, garlic, and zucchini in pan. 3. Heat for one minute and then flip sections with a spatula. Keep heat on high to sauté, not stew. 4. After two minutes, when zucchini is heated through, pile into a shallow plate or bowl. 5. Cover immediately with cheese. Allow it to melt with the heat of the zucchini for approximately one minute before serving.

NB: If you want to double or triple this recipe, use more pans. If you pile more zucchini into a single pan it will stew and juices will run instead of the quick sear/sauté that is key to this dish.

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PS. I am a nominee for a central Ohio blog award. May I have your vote?

Added to Hearth and Soul.