• Apr. 29, 2008
That time of year
It's that time of year and it seems like the activity level is definitely ramping up around here. The weather is still "iffy" but the spring planting season has begun and we've begun doing tillage work. (the term "we" being used very loosely, as I personally don't till a thing except flower beds!) I've had a couple afternoons of helping shuttle men and equipment around, and also made a trip into town to ship off these:
These are some of the soil samples I shipped off to be analyzed. We work with a renewable agriculture consultant that will take the analysis results and make a custom blend of biological additives to be spread on the fields. The media tends to portray farmers as mindlessly pouring nasty chemicals onto their fields (and I know it does happen) but not everybody goes about things that way.
Beside spring planting, Little League has gone into full swing so we've got some extra running to do with that as well. Only youngest son is in baseball, so it's certainly not as crazed in the past when all 3 boys played and I could have up to 9 games in a week! That used to just about do me in. The older boys aren't playing ball, but they are putting in extra practice time with karate as they have their 2nd degree black belt test coming up in June.
A friend's mother passed away a few days ago so there was a wake and funeral to attend, and food to prepare for the family. When my fil died unexpectly 10 years ago, lots of people brought us meals and it was the best thing ever. I never realized until then how much comfort a home-cooked meal can bring.
One of the things I made to take to them was a Chocolate-Banana Muffin recipe, a nice treat that isn't overly sweet.
Chocolate Banana Muffins
1 1/4 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
3 small ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup egg substitute
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 tbsp buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract
* combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, then make a well in the center
* combine bananas & remaining ingredients, add to dry mixture, stir just till moist. Spoon batter into muffin pan, (greased or use liners) & bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.
I spent all afternoon at the hospital today, as my poor mil had to have surgery on her knee. She fell on her knee last Friday, onto a concrete floor and broke it. (her knee, not the floor!) The break was worse than they thought (the knee was broken into more pieces than the xray showed - OUCH!!) and she was in recovery for hours as they were having trouble controlling her pain. I didn't realize knee injuries are known for being extremely painful but apparently they are. It's extremely discouraging for her as she literally just finished physical therapy 3 weeks ago for a torn rotator cuff, which she had operated on in January. Luckily she has a good friend that can stay with her and help her out for awhile, and I'll be making some meals for them as well!
And, because it's April in Illinois, here's a photo showing some of the hail we had yesterday! It was small so it didn't do any damage but I have NEVER seen it come down like that.
Well, I'm off to to the treadmill before I totally lose all motivation!!!
ps. There was a question in the comments about being able to tell whether the goats are pregnant or not - most of the time, you can't really tell the goats or sheep are pregnant until later in the pregnancy. When it's close to the time, their udder will start to fill, and there are other signs we look for to tell us they are gonna go soon. Honestly, some of the sheep didn't look pregnant even at the very end! Usually one a year a technician comes from another town and sets up his ultrasound at a local farm, and you can take your animals there to have an ultrasound for only a few dollars each! Unfortunately we were out of town this year when he came so we didn't have that information to help us determine what's going on.
Comments
• Apr. 29, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Oiyi
Those meals are a great idea. My friend bought me some gourmet meals that were shipped to me after I had the baby and it was a life saver.
That goat pregnancy info was fascinating.
www.oiyi.blogspot.com
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by June
I didn't know about submitting soil samples to help get the right growing medium. What a helpful idea which promotes a healthier crop growth.
Your recipe sounds so delicious and I'm adding it to my baking list.
I'm so sorry about your mother-in-law's fall and subsequent knee damage. I had to have my knee joint replaced and can herby testify to the exquisite agony of knee pain. All I can say is bless her as she moves through the recovery period.
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Looks like spring is in full glory in your neck of the woods and baseball is always a sure sign of that, I remember those days of running from one game to another. Those muffins look really yummy - thanks for sharing the recipe, it's going into the recipe box. Hope your MIL is doing better - OUCH it sounds painful.
Hugs - Karen-yellowfarmhouse
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by woolwinder
There's a lot going on at your house this time of year! I'm thrilled with the muffin recipe. Because it's low-fat and low-cholesterol, I can actually eat them. Yum!
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Thimbleanna
Ooooh, those banana muffins look great! Thanks for the recipe -- I definitely need to try them. And hail? You guys get all the good weather LOL. All we got was some cold yucky rain!
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Sorry to hear about your MIL knee injury.. Not only is it painful but it takes a long time to recover. We have a friend who shattered her kneecap and took her forever to get back to normal.
No baseball for us this year. My husband is still in withdrawals, but I must say I'm happy not sitting in the cold watching the games :)
have a great week,
hakucho
• Apr. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Danielle
Wow you've been so busy lately! You sound like you take it all in stride though, which is something I have a hard time doing with an overly busy schedule. I admire you for your positive attitude.
When my Dad passed away it was so comforting to us to have "comfort food" made by loving hands around. So I totally agree with you about giving home cooked items to those who are grieving. And I hope your MIL's knee heals quickly :)
• May. 2, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Toni
Love the farming updates! Thanks for the muffin recipe..the grandgals are going to love this one. :)
