Summer Watering, Part 2

In a previous post (my very first one, I believe), I launched the idea of using frozen water bottles to keep your plants from scorching and wilting during the hot summer months.  However, one issue I came across is that dirt sticks to the stakes (even if you rinse them) and tends to leave quite a mess in the freezer.

   Determined not to be defeated, I modified it (which was second nature, because that's what teachers do, right?!)  I removed and discarded the soiled stakes from the bottles and refroze them.  I then saved some wider aluminum cans and spray painted then coordinating colors.

Finally, I hammered nail holes in the bottom to allow the water to seep through as it melts. 

 

 I now leave the "base" (the can) in the flowers and only collect the bottles to refill and refreeze.

Homemade Granola

Since I was a child, my mom has made Granola.  My parents said it was cheaper and healthier than the stuff you bought in the store.  

Now I understand why: 

•no preservatives (or very few at least)

•no corn syrup

•it helps with digestive & heart health

•it's a hearty breakfast, so it sticks with you all morning without that dreaded mid-morning crash

   My family recently visited my parents and Mom had just made a fresh batch of Granola.  Just tasting it took me back to my childhood! But more shockingly, my husband loved it and asked for the recipe right away.  You see, my husband is a southerner through-and-through, and nothing tastes right unless it is slathered in gravy or deep fried.  He doesn't do that hippie ... uh, well, "GRANOLA stuff."  But, this stuff....THIS was different.  And more importantly, his tummy was happy with him all day.

   So, I'll let you in on a piece of my childhood using this recipe:

•2 cups old-fashioned oats

•2 cups quick oats

•1 1/2 cups of wheat germ (you will find this in the cereal aisle)

•1/4 cup powdered milk

•1 cup sweetened coconut flakes

•2 Tbsp brown sugar

*Mix together in a large bowl*

*In a sauce pan heat the following until it is warm:

•1/3 cup oil (I prefer olive, but any cooking oil will do)

•1/2 cup honey

•1 Tbsp vanilla extract

Pour the liquid mixture over the dry mixture and stir until it is coated.  Then choose which cooking method you would like to use:

•cook on a cookie sheet for 1 hour at 250, stirring occasionally 

   -or-

•Cook in a cookie sheet for 30 minutes at 300, stirring occasionally 

  -or-

•microwave in a large glass bowl for 4 minutes, stirring after each minute.

Now comes the fun part! I love this recipe because it is very versitle!  Here are some suggestions of healthy items to add to your granola:

•chia seed

•sunflower seeds

•pumpkin seeds

•raisins

•other dried fruit, such as apricots, peaches, pears, dates, prunes, papaya, mango, blueberries, cherries, cranberries

•almonds, cashews, pecans, etc.

--> Store in an Airtight container

•For those of you who are practicing "clean eating", I believe this recipe meets the criteria, with the exception of the powdered milk.  This could easily be left out without altering the consistency and taste very much.

DYI Fly Trap

Summer is a time full of water fights, watermelon, popcycles, running through the sprinkler....and those dreadful flies all over the house!!!  Aarrrgh!

   It is such a battle when kids are running in and out the door all day (which is not a bad thing) but it's a full time job keeping up with all the flies venturing in.  And I am clumsy...I may nail a few flies with a swatter, but the path of destruction simply is not worth it!  Unfortunately, homeowner's insurance doesn't cover my lack of coordination, even if the flies are an act of nature.

  Additionally, those curly little fly strips...my husband thinks it looks like prom night at Monster High.

   All summer I have looked for ideas on Pinterest to trap the flies and it has been fail after fail.  I have experimented with various solutions of the following:

•raw meat in water 👎🏻

•apple vinegar 👎🏻

• dish soap 👎🏻

• sugar 👎🏻

   I don't know if flies are attracted to different stimuli in different environments, but I sure was batting zero!  I was on the verge of buying a pet frog and a few Venus Fly Trap plants, when I came across this recipe for Fly Destruction:

https://www.backroadsliving.com/fly-bait/

   The recipe calls for white vinegar and pancake syrup or honey.  I used the syrup & white vinegar and put it in an inverted water bottle as all of these Pins have recommended.  I trapped a few (which is a few more than I caught before: 300 - 400% increase!  YES!)  However, I wanted to see what would happen if I moved the solution to an open plastic cup.  And wa-lah!  Another collection of germy pests meet their demise! (As pictured, one floater, but many sinkers at the bottom...)

   I put the bottle by the door used most frequently so the flies are trapped before they get a chance to take a tour of the house.

Conclusion: Mission Accomplished!  Thank you so much, https://www.backroadsliving.com/!  You have greatly improved the quality of my summer! 

Montana Pride Watercolor

I recently painted this picture for my mom, a native Montanan.  The picture features several native flowers such as bitterroot (the state flower), Indian blanket, forget-me-nots, bluebells, Indian paintbrush, & shooting star.  There is also the feather of a meadowlark, which is the state bird.

Cleaning Cast Iron

My husband and recently switched to cast iron due to safety issues often reported with teflon pans.  Unfortunately, you can't throw cast iron into the dishwasher, but cast iron isn't as difficult to clean as I thought it would be.

     First off, there are a few no-no's when cleaning cast iron:

    1.) don't use water if you don't have to

    2.) NEVER use soap on cast iron.  It will break down the seasoning, thus risking the chance of rust.

So, can you use? 

•The best option is to use course salt and on old dish rag.  The salt absorbs the excess grease.  Scrubbing in a circular motion will remove any food sticking to the surface, without compromising the seasoning.

When all the food particles are removed, brush everything into the waste can.  You may want to use a second rag to finish the process.  The surface of your pan should have a slight greasy film.  Any bacteria remaining is instantly killed the next time you heat the pan.

Garden Sign

As stated in the previous post, my parents recently bought a Queen Anne style house.  As a house warming gift, my sister and her kids made this whimsical garden sign.

Potting Station

My parents recently purchased a Queen Anne style house built in 1900.  While prepping the house for their retirement days, they have come across some interesting finds.  Among these treasures was an old rusty and patinaed sink.  My mom had not decided what to do with it, so my ever resourceful husband suggested turning it into a potting station.  While it is simple, it is very practical, and prevents strain on one's back while potting flowers.  I also like the clever bottom shelf, added both for storage and stability.

Glow Jars (with instructions)

I originally tried this project with my students as a Christmas decoration to put in the window.  However, I fell in love with the way they luminate the night.  Now I have them zip tied to fences, hanging from shepherd's hooks, and glowing on my front porch.

Here are the items you will need:

•••or•••

Depending on how you plan to display your glow jar, you may also need:

Start by gluing only one glass pebble.  You may want to tape it in place until the glue has congealed.

On a side note: I have tried using regular super glue or hot glue.  I have found this to be a waste of time and supplies as the glass pebbles pop off in sub-freezing weather.

 

Continue to glue one at a time, waiting for the glue to congeal before adding the next one.  Glue in a ring around the bottom of the jar.

Continue adding the glass pebbles to the next row, settling each one in the "valley" of the row below.  It helps to have the jar tilted against a solid surface to keep each newly glued gem in place.

Continue gluing until you get to the top of the jar.

Cut 3 even strips of wire (about 4 inches each) and bend each into a long S shape.

Detach the solar light from the clear plastic cylinder.  Insert the end of each hook into the holes underneath the solar light.  You may want to place a drop of glue to secure each hook into place.

If you would like to hang your glow jar as a lamp, cut an 8" strip of wire and roll in each end. 

Drop the light down into the jar making sure each hook is attached to the lip of the jar.

Fit the wire handle over the mouth of the jar and secure it with a thin black zip tie.

Now your yard will have an inviting glow!

Glow Jars (pictures only)