What a crazy winter! The unusually mild weather has been refreshing, but it still has become a long and drawn out season. If you’re anything like us, you’re looking forward to Spring and the activities that it brings.

The last two years of this economy has had an interesting impact on us, and one of the decisions we made was to commit to learning how to and growing our own fruits and vegetables– reminiscent of the Victory Gardens of olde. Though, we’re still obviously novices, we have built a raised garden, and, get this — even set ourselves up with chickens — and we’re having a ball!

Right now we are in the process of growing seeds under grow lights in preparation for the planting season, and found a fabulous tool to help beginners like us know what can be planted and when…thanks to Skippy’s blog for posting this cool tool.

Last Fall we decided to plant a bigger plot of Garlic. Here are some photos of that experience.

Preparing the rows

Jim planting the cloves

Almost done planting and ready to cover for winter

We’re anxiously waiting to pull the straw away to see the budding plants coming through.

As we finish the garden boxes and chicken coop/garden shed, we’ll post more photos. We’re happy to pass along all of the new things we learn as we go, and encourage any feedback and advice from you.

If you have space in your yard, give it a try…it’s amazing how rewarding growing your own vegetables can be. There’s nothing better than making dinner and stepping out into your garden to pick fresh peppers or tomatoes to add to your dish. You can start small. And if you’re really adventurous, consider getting a few chickens to provide not only delicious, fresh eggs, but hours of enjoyment…they’re hilarious and quite fun to have around.

Keep us in mind as you consider expanding your home, either inside or outside, remembering that we can help with building boxes, sheds, and even chicken coops.

Happy Spring!

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Baking Chips, for melting into the cookie dough
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Baking Chips, for mixing into the prepared cookie dough
• 2 tablespoons coarse sea salt, or as needed

Kitchen-tested and  5-Star Rated

What a beautiful fall we’re having! The season is a favorite.

With such a short season, it’s a must to step back and take in the breathtaking color and textures — but it’s also just as important to step into preparing for the impending winter.  Here are some areas that you should consider addressing while the weather is still mild.

• - Check valleys, flashing and shingles on your roof to ensure water cannot enter your home.
• - Clean out gutters, running water through them to dislodge and clean out debris.
• - Disconnect and drain your outside hoses and shut off the water to your outdoor spigots.
• - Check the foundation of your home to address any potential entry points for pests and rodents.  Seal any cracks and small holes, and replace any sill plates that show deterioration or rot.
• - Call an HVAC professional to check out your furnace to make sure that your system is in good working condition — better now than when the temperature drops and you realize you don’t have heat. You’ll also want to stock up on filters. Check those monthly, and replace as needed to keep your furnace working efficiently.
• - Fireplaces should also be inspected for cracks or other hazardous conditions.  You’ll be able to relax in front of the fire on a cold evening knowing that it’s safe.
• - Purchase or cut firewood and store it in a dry place, preferably not against your house (a woodpile is a great home for critters) but somewhere with convenient access.
• - Do you have drafty windows or a room that feels cold in the winter? We use DAP Seal ‘n Peel caulk as an easy fix to a drafty room. This product can really help keep the house warmer, and it’s easy to peel off in the spring.  Fair warning, though, that upon application the odor can be a bit much. Once it dries, you won’t even know it’s there. Great stuff.
• - Check weathers tripping on your exterior doors and replace if cracked or missing.
• - Replace cracked or broken windows, and install storm windows if you have them.

The color and falling leaves will soon give way to the contrasted beauty of monochrome winter.  Take care of these things while the temperature is still comfortable, and enjoy a relaxing and warm season at home.