The Cooking Fairy

This week at the market: red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, bibb lettuce, romaine, oregano, parsley, basil, peppermint,wintergreen, spearmint, tarragon, yellow squash, zucchini, fava beans, peas, sugar snap peas.

GETTING THE FARM TO THE TABLE
I am working with The Cooking Fairy, based in Greenwich, CT to bring you some weekly recipes that you can use with your weekly produce from me. Joanna Wallis, aka The Cooking Fairy, provides Personal Chef Services. She has also promised to try and come up with ideas for getting kids to eat their veggies too - try this week’s Strawberry Zuchinni Bread! All the photos of the food are hers (so you know the recipe is tried and tasted)!

If you ever want to consider dinner ‘done’, Joanna will come to your home and shop and cook
for you on a weekly basis, filling your fridge with home prepared goodies. For Red Clover Farm
patrons, she will happily use your CSA box and prepare food for you in the same way, leaving
your fridge stocked. Her focus is seasonal and healthy and she also offers dinner parties. You
can find more information at http://www.thefairycook.com/

STRAWBERRY ZUCCHINI BREAD
A kid favorite! Perfect for snack on the go, summer picnics or just breakfast. This yummy bread
freezes well too.
1/2 cup walnut pieces
2 cups all purpose unbleached flour
1/2 tsp each baking powder and baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
3/4 granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup plain low fat yogurt/buttermilk
1 cup fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped
2 cups grated zucchini
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Spray a 9x5x3 inch loaf plan with non stick spray and set aside.
Place the walnut pieces on a baking tray and toast in oven for about 5 minutes until brown and
fragrant. Set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon until well combined.
Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs to the butter mixture, beating well
after each addition.
Add one third of the flour mixture, beat and then add half the yogurt. Alternate adding the flour
mixture and yoghurt until all combined.
Fold in the strawberries, walnuts and zucchini.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a wooden toothpick
inserted into the center comes out clean.

SQUASH RIBBON SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE
8 servings
2-3 yellow squash
2-3 zucchini
6 tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup julienned mint
1/4 cup julienned basil
2 tbsp minced chives
6 ounces fresh goat cheese (I prefer Boucheron)
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
Using a vegetable peeler, peel large wide ribbons from the zucchini and squash and place in a
large mixing bowl.
Combine the vinegar, olive oil. salt and pepper. Add the herbs and goat cheese and gently toss.
Sprinkle with the pine nuts and serve. You can prepare in advance as this will hold well for up to
2 hours.

HERB BUTTER
Great for coating roasted vegetables (including yellow and green squash), new potatoes, grilled
lamb or chicken. Dinner can be delicious in seconds!
3/4 cup softened unsalted butter
3 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
3 tbsp chopped fresh mint
4 tsp tarragon/champagne/white wine vinegar
2tsp coarse kosher salt
Blend all ingredients. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days and serve generously with veggies,
potatoes, chicken, fish and lamb! Yum!

If You have a Good Heart, a Good Life Will Follow

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others can not keep it freom themselves". James Barrie

"To the world you may be just one person,but to the person you may just be the world". Mark Twain

"Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness". Seneca

"Carry out an act of random kindness with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you". Princess Diana"

"To give without any reward, or any notice has a special quality of it's own". Anne Morrow Lindberg

"May you remember that love flows best when it flows freely, and it is in giving that we receive the greatest gift". Kate Nowak

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around". Leo Buscaglia

"Be the change you wish to see in the world". Ghandhi

The Power of Kindness

In The Power of Kindness, Mac Anderson shares the magic formula for putting more joy in your life. It can be summed up in one word - kindness. Through the 23 inspirational stories in The Power of Kindness, Mac demonstrates his passionate belief that people can transform their own lives and the lives of others through random acts of kindness. So, don't wait...make the world a better place. Find out firsthand about The Power of Kindness by sharing a kind word or deed with someone else today.

Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Kindness is synonymous with mental health," writes Ferrucci, whose belief that kindness benefits both the giver and the receiver informs this study. Honesty, forgiveness, trust and humility are among the qualities that make up kindness. Italian psychotherapist Ferrucci (What Our Children Teach Us), who writes in a soothing, humane manner, studied with psychiatrist Roberto Assagiolli, founder of psychosynthesis, a school that focuses on spiritual growth and positive qualities such as faith and joy. Laced with stories from religion and philosophy, anecdotes from patients and personal experience, the book explores how Ferrucci's ideas can be applied to everyday life. In "Forgiveness," he describes how a Holocaust survivor was able to forgive those who murdered his family and explains that forgiveness is the only remedy for unspeakable suffering. In the section on service, he suggests small ways one can benefit the lives of others, such as telling a joke to lift a friend's spirits or offering to make dinner for someone who needs time to rest. Ferrucci offers a fine reminder of how good, and how easy, it is to be kind. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Product Description
A leading transpersonal psychologist reveals the unexpected secret to a happy life: behaving with kindness.

Piero Ferrucci calls it "global cooling," a phenomenon of chilly human relations. Communications are hurried and impersonal. The drive for profit and wealth has become a cherished value. And warmth and genuine presence have all but dissolved into a sea of materialism and self-interest.

The Power of Kindness is a stirring examination of a simple but profound concept. Piero Ferrucci, one of the world's most respected transpersonal psychologists, explores the many surprising facets of kindness and argues that it is this trait, and this trait alone, which will lead not only to our own individual happiness and the happiness of those around us, but will guide us in a world that has become cold, anxious, difficult, and frightening.

Not an ordinary self-help book, The Power of Kindness is instead a blueprint. Being kind, Ferrucci argues, does not mean becoming a human doormat or a cloying handservant. And "Heaven save us from the fakes," Ferrucci writes-self-interested politeness, calculated generosity, superficial etiquette, and even kindness against one's will.

Instead, kindness is composed of many elements, including qualities not immediately associated with it: flexibility, honesty, a sense of belonging, gratitude, attention, forgiveness, and more. In eighteen interlocking chapters, each devoted to a single aspect of kindness, Ferrucci moves seamlessly from tales of myth and legend to personal anecdotes to scientific research and philosophical treatises. He reveals that the kindest people are the most likely to thrive, to enable others to thrive, and to slowly but steadily turn our world away from violence, self-centeredness, and narcissism, and toward love.

Writing with a rare combination of sensitivity and intellectual depth, Ferrucci shows that, ultimately, kindness is not a luxury in our world, but a necessity for us all.

Health Updates Page

I am going to be using this page (to the right under the home link) for my status and health updates. Alot of people want to know what it is like to get hit by lightning, and I am learning about (and experiencing) some of the after effects. Many people and even doctors dont know alot about lightning strikes and the damage that they can cause internally because they are so rare. This page is to educate.

Also, if anyone would like to share any related heath topics, email me the information so I can include it. Maybe a condition that you have, or that a family member has, that you want to bring some light to. You can include early warning signs, ways to prevent, natural health solutions and your own personal experience.

This page is intended to promote a health-wise community. Let's take care of ourselves and eachother!

Featured Members

Each month we will be featuring one of our members, and they will be listed in our CSA Member Of the Month Page. So if you would like to be a part of getting highlighted within the community, I will be more than happy to do so for you! (Just send me your info!)

We all have unique talents, and skills and educational backgrounds. Let's network and keep it local people!

I'm launching our Member of the Month page with our very own David T. of Stamford. I decided to start with David because he sells Energy Bands, which are rubber, and when I got struck by lightning and the doctor asked me if I was wearing anything rubber like shoes, I said "No", but then said "Wait, I was wearing my rubber Energy Band".

So David and I have been chuckling about the Energy Band saving my life (even though don't try this at home kids, I was very very lucky to survive the lightning strike and do not recommend playing with lightning). So we have been joking that now that I have this band on I can battle lightning, tornados, floods and hurricanes!

So check him out, and meet David T.

CSA Member Of The Month

David T

David T. is one of our CSA members in the Stamford area. He is super smart and super cool and has a background in the super conservative world of financial planning. He is probally the last person on earth that you think would be selling Energy Bands. Why does he sell them? Because he was sold.

Talking with David about the Energy Band is very amusing, and he is more than happy to demonstate the band's powerful effects on you. He will have you stand on one foot as he pushes you this way, and then tugs you that way.

For David, the band's effects have worked for him. The Pain Management Band helps his dad's arthitis. I bought the weight loss band, and I noticed that I wasnt as hungry, and lost about 4 pounds in the first 2 weeks without changing a thing (really!)

If you ask David how the whole thing works, he will softly chuckle and say he doesnt really know. But he will tell you all about the holographic frequency chip, the philosophy on how it works within the body, his experiences, and maybe if you are lucky even give you a demonstration.

I come from a completely different background and am use to more of a Holistic Approach - owning a Day Spa and Yoga/Pilates Studio for several years. Frequencies are natural in the universe, and for example when you see people doing yoga and they all say "Ommmmmmm", what they are doing is using that sound as a frequency to balance themselves. "Om" is considered to be the all-connecting frequency sound of the universe. So I guess you can say wearing the bracelet is like a "Cliff Note" version of doing a yoga class. (I dont really know alot about yoga myself, but did offer some yoga classes in my Day Spa fitness center, so I would hear bits and peices about it. I remember one day one of the instructors who liked to come early to warm up, was doing a headstand inside of the Lilly Pulitzer Boutique side of the business. I was like what is he doing, and can he please not do it next to the hippo-print dress!)

The bands are only around $35-$39 bucks and they make great gifts!If you are interested in finding out more, you can email David directly at EnergyBandsCT@gmail.com.

And also if you ever need to hire a financial wiz for your personal or business needs, David is right around the corner in our neighborhood too!

Pure Energy Bands
Pure Energy Bands have hologram discs that are embedded with energetic information that communicates with the meridians of your body. Wearing these hologram discs on your body may help to improve your balance, energy, flexibility, strength, and endurance. The hologram discs in Pure Energy Bands are embedded with a range of natural frequencies believed to resonate through the body may help promote a more balanced, rhythmic and healthy body.

Pure Energy Weight Loss + Energy Band
The green and silver colored hologram discs are embedded with Pure Energy's custom range of natural frequencies believed to resonate through the body and promote a healthier well being. The Weight Loss + Energy Band may help to:
Enhance energy flow Decrease appetite Balance metabolism Increase energy levels Balance hormones Promote positive emotions

Wear the Pure Energy Weight Loss + Energy Band as part of your daily routine for healthy living combined with diet and exercise for optimum results.
Natural and Safe No Diet Pills or Laxatives

For optimal results, we recommend keeping yourself well hydrated while using this product and limiting food intake to a minimal level within 90 minutes of going to bed. The band can be worn 24 hours a day but can be removed when sleeping if more comfortable to the user. It is waterproof and does not contain any metals.

Maximum weight loss requires eating a healthy diet and regular exercise. Any results will show in your appearance, fitness levels and overall health. Consult your physician or health care provider to design a custom tailored weight loss plan.

Furry Friends / Need Homes

One of our wonderful CSA members happens to be the Dog Warden in Seymour. There are lots of loving dogs that need a home. I will be posting available dogs on this blog, so if you or anyone else that you know, is looking for a new pal send them our way! I set up a separate page link that you can view our friends under Doggy Adoption. Contact Seymour Animal Control 203-465-2604

White Poodle 6/23/11

How cute is this fluffy snowball! This dog was thrown over the fence into the dog pound this past Saturday night and was left in the cold and dark and was very scared. Needs a home!

Willow 6/23/11

Abandoned Dog Abused and discarded, she waits for a new lease on life. This female pit bull mix was found in the fenced yard of the Seymour Animal Shelter early one morning, where someone had broken the gate to dump her in there. Her sweet face ,marred with scars and fresh wounds, tells the story of her abusive past. She is quick to cower and will roll on her back in submission to people. This dog, now known as Willow, is getting the care and attention she needs to heal and learn to trust again. Despite all she has been through, she is a happy dog with an amazing spirit.

The Outhouse

Grinding Stone

Colour of the Ct Locavore

I hope that all of you enjoyed the makeup in your CSA share! It is meant to inspire you to look at all of the colors in Mother Nature's paintbrush this week. We have Magenta lettuce, Spring Bud hot peppers, and Aureolin tomato flowers showing off their vibrant hues this week.

Above is a test photo that I took a few years back on a model who was posing for a hair/makeup promo shoot. I chose to really emphasize her eyes with smokey blue/greys and go with a nuetral lip. The lighting was tough that day, so I found this bright spot where the sun was playing tricks on the blinds. I stood her in the light pattern, and the end result was really beautiful.

Lightning Lettuce

Our Lightning Lettuce located in our coldframe!

These Boots are Made for Weeding

Some girls want diamonds, others want pearls. I just really want a new pair of workboots because my zipper is broken.

Wormwood

Baskets

Wild Flowers

Feed Sacks

In your Feed Sacks this week, you will find some fragrant lavender and also a fingerling potato seed. We will be planting a few hundred within the next few days, and I thought you might want to join in the excitement! Its very simple to plant these seeds. Just dig a hole about 3 inches deep, place seed in, and cover. Thats it! Nature will work its magic, but just water of course!

You may also have 2 different varieties of lettuce this week, fresh peppermint, wintergreen, lemonbalm, chives, baby kale, zucchini, squash, tarragon, oregano, thyme, and wormwood. The wormwood is the silvery green stalk with silk like fern petals. I have included instructions in a separate blog post on how to make a natural bug repellent. The yellow flowers are Lady's Mantle and make a lovely floral bouquet.

I have had many CSA clients ask me where to get Aveda Beetroot lip gloss, so I decided to include an Aveda lip or eye colour in this week's share. Inspired by nature, these hues will keep you in the true spirit of a CT locavore.

Emily Post's Etiquette

This is one of the first books that I ever read. My mom had a really old copy, and I was fastinated learning about the proper way how grown ups were suppose to act in grown up situations. I practiced alot as a child and even sent my friend a cordial "I regret to inform you that I will not be able to attend your slumber party" kind of note.

Well, with all of the "situations" that have happened this year, it amazes me how many grown ups forget their manners. Especially grown ups who put so much emphasis on maintaining the highest level of prestige in social settings.

Below is a summary of the classic book. I think it makes the perfect gift for those grown ups in our lives, who may need a little refreshing.


Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition
For the first time in its history, this American classic has been completely rewritten. Peggy Post gives us etiquette for today’s times. Read by millions since the first edition was published in 1922, Emily Post—the most trusted name in etiquette—has always been there to help people navigate every conceivable social situation. The tradition continues with this 100 percent revised and updated edition, which covers the formal, the traditional, the contemporary, and the casual.

Based on thousands of reader questions, surveys conducted on the Emily Post Institute and Good Housekeeping Web sites, and Peggy’s travels across the country, the book shows how to handle the new, difficult, unusual, and everyday situations we all encounter. The definition of etiquette—a code of behavior based on thoughtfulness—has not changed since Emily's day. The etiquette guidelines we use to smooth the way change all the time.

This new edition resolves hundreds of our key etiquette concerns: dealing with rudeness, netiquette, noxious neighbors, road rage, family harmony, on-line dating, cell phone courtesy, raising respectful children and teens, and travel etiquette in the post-9/11 world…to name just a few.

Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition also remains the definitive source for timeless advice on entertaining, social protocol, table manners, guidelines for religious ceremonies, expressing condolences, introductions, how to be a good houseguest and host, invitations, correspondence, planning a wedding, giving a toast, and sportsmanship.

Peggy Post's advice gives us the confidence of knowing we're doing the right thing so we can relax and enjoy the moment and move more easily through our world. Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition will be the resource of choice for years to come.

Wormwood

What is Wormwood?
I stumbled onto this mysterious plant many years ago at a place called Caprilands Herb Farm in Northern Ct. I learned about this farm in an Art History class in college, and thought it would be a great place to gather an assortment of medicinal herbs. An older distinguished gentleman, who worked there named Edmond, asked me if I ever heard of "The Green Fairy" drink. I told him I have not, and that is when he introduced me to this peculiar species called Wormwood.

I have included some history about Wormwood for you to read. It has been used throughout history for many ailments, and today it is used more and more for organic gardening. I use Wormwood as a natural bug repellent in my garden and also on my skin. I included some Wormwood recipes for you, since you all will have Wormwood in your CSA boxes this week!

Wormwood is the common name for Artemisia absinthium, the plant whose aromatic oil is used to make Absinthe. Although Absinthe contains extracts from a whole variety of different plants, Wormwood oil is the key ingredient of the famed green drink, and perhaps the reason why absinthe is quite unlike any other liquor ever produced.

The otherwise ordinarily-looking Wormwood plant holds a secret: its aromatic leaves and flowers are naturally rich in the terpene thujone, an aromatic, bitter substance believed to induce an inexplicable clarity of thought, increased sense of perception, enhanced creativity, inspiration and the ability to "see beyond" -- as all the famous absinthe drinkers amongst nineteenth century poets, writers, painters and other artists discovered.

But wormwood's unique properties fascinated humanity long before the plant was first used to make absinthe in 1792. Because of its powerful effects on both mind and body, wormwood has been valued as a versatile medicinal plant since at least 1600 B.C.

The Egyptians used the plant as an antiseptic, a stimulant and tonic, and as a remedy for fevers and menstrual pains. In ancient Greece, apsinthos (the Greek name for wormwood) was prescribed for such ailments as rheumatism, anemia and menstrual pains, and sometimes as a means of aiding child birth. The philosopher Hippocrates even recommended wormwood as a cure for jaundice.

In the Middle Ages, the plant was used to exterminate tapeworm infestations while leaving the human host uninjured, even rejuvenated, by the experience.

Since the time of the Romans, wormwood has also been known to aid digestion, and as an effective treatment for upset stomach. In the eighteenth century, a certain Dr. John Hill, describing a German feast of that day, noted:"The wormwood wine, so famous with the Germans, is made with Roman Wormwood, put into the juice and work'd with it; it is a strong and an excellent wine, not unpleasant, yet of such efficacy to give an appetite that the Germans drink a glass with every other mouthful, and that way eat for hours together, without sickness or indigestion."

To this day, Bedouin Africans sell wormwood in a Cairo market as a remedy for ill health. The Bedouin also burn wormwood leaves as incense around their newborn children to give the child a life of good health. In 1990, it was claimed that the scientific community finally recognized that wormwood extract is as good as chloroqine for the treatment of malaria.

In The Garden:
Wormwood is effective against: Aphids, caterpillars, flea beetles and moths. You can make a Wormwood Tea and spray directly on the plant, or you can dry Wormwood and hang in the corners of your garden, or sprinkle around your plants. Putting dried sprigs of wormwood in the garden along side carrots and onions will mask their scent, confusing insects in particular the carrot rust fly.

To Make Wormwood Tea:
8 ounces wormwood leaves
4 pints of water
1 teaspoon castile soap

Simmer wormwood leaves in the water for 30 minutes. Stir, strain, and leave to cool.
Add the castille soap to wormwood mixture and use to spray.


To Dry Wormwood:
Hang them upside down in a shady spot. Let them air dry like this for a few days. Put them into glass containers with tightly screwed down lids. Store in a dark place.


A Natural Insect Repellent:This repellent will work against fleas, ticks, and chiggers by mixing lavender, sage, mint, rosemary and wormwood together. Cover it with vinegar and leave it for one week and after that apply it by using a piece of cotton.

Beetroot

My favorite color lipgloss in the world is called Beetroot by Aveda. I have been wearing this color since it first came out many years ago, it goes with everything. I couldnt help but think about how I am almost out of it, while I was planting today - yep you guessed it - planting BEETS.

We are on our 3rd or 4th planting this year of beets. We harvested our beet crops earlier this season, and its time for more. Today I planted 4 different organic varieties including Bull's Blood (should be interesting)!

Lightning

You know that you are overdue at the hair salon when the trama team at the hospital ask you if your grey hair is due to being hit by lightning, and then you have to inform them that you simply havent had time to touch up your roots.

Well, first of all I am OK thank God. I was hit by lightning on the farm Thursday night when I was on my way in from the fields. The sky got really dark and the wind started blowing. I could hear thunder in the distance and saw a few far off flashes of lightning. I ran inside just as a few raindrops started to fall with my dog Emma. My dad told me that he didnt put down the left side of the coldframe (which is like a giant greenhouse) and if I didnt the wind could destroy it by tearing through it. Against my better judgement, I ran back out to "save the coldframe".

I thought the storm was still far enough in the distance, and to tell you the truth I didnt even think of my safety at all. The only thing I could think of as I was running out there was the image of the wind tearing the plastic off of the frame, and flipping over all of my seed starter trays (again).

I ran out to the coldframe barefoot and grabbed the metel hand crank, which turns to raise or lower the sides. The crank is attached to a 200 foot metal bar. As soon as I touched the crank, lightning shot out of the sky to my hand from the left side, it was so bright that I turned my head away and saw the lightning continue its path through and outside of my right leg into the ground. Everthing happened so fast. I let go of the pole, and as soon as I did, the lightning spark flashed out of my hand and traveled down th e length of the metel pole. I think I was in shock, bc I grabbed the pole again to lower it.

I ran into the house, and said to myself I think I was just hit by lightning, but I'm not dead. I said to my dad, I think I was hit by lightning. I had no char marks, I didnt pass out, I was still standing. Immediately my right hand started burning where I touched the pole. Then, my hand, rightarm, chest, left arm and bottom of my feet. My body was burning. I called 911. They came and rushed my to the only hospital that would take me, Bridgeport hospital because they have a really good burn unit. My EKG and bloodpressure were off the charts in the ambulance, and my whole body was burning. I really thought this was it. The paramedics said that with lightning, the most damage can be done internally.

It didnt help when in the trama room, a women came in and said she smelled something burning. Bloodwork was taken, and I guess they look for a few things, one being your levels of CPK. When you get hit by lightning, it can damage your muscles and nerves by heating them up, heart being included as a muscle. Your muscles release lactic acid into your boodstream and can shut down your kidneys if you dont flush it out. My bloodwork showed high levels of CPK, and the hispital began flushing out my system and kidneys).

I was in the cardiac unit for a couple of days to make sure my heart wasnt affected too badly. Most doctors dont know alot about lightning strikes, especially when a person is walking and talking with no physical marks. Drs were debating whether it was lightning, or a static shock (like you walk up to a door and get a shock), but shock was ruled out because of my EKG and levels of CPK. I called a couple of lightning specialists who specialize in lightning strikes in people. They all agreed that I was very lucky and if I had grabbed the crank with my left hand, I would most likey be dead because the lightning would have traveled more through my heart with that path.

Most likey what happened is when I ran across the field I built up static electicity on myself (the hairs on your arms stand up). When I grabbed the metel crank lightning was drawn and hit the connection location point of my hand and the metel crank, and I was used as a grounder, and that is why I saw the lightning continue in and around my right leg into the ground. When I let go of the metel crank, the lightning continued its course through the coldframe, finding other grounders and that it why I saw the lightning flash down the metel rod. So because there were other avenues for the lightning to travel on the coldframe as well, that is why I didnt receive the full force of the bolt.

There are so many damaging effects that can happen post-lighting strike. You can have trouble with thinking, and processing information , and nuerological and musclular problems that can come on immediately, after a few days or up to 3 years. Most lightning victims develop problems with their short term memory, and I appologize in advance if I start forgetting who you are. My mom lives in Texas and she is a nurse. She was telling me that I shouldnt be worried and asked me if I ever saw the movie about some guy who got hit by lightning and became brilliant and started writing symphonies. So I guess I will just wait and see what happens, and maybe I will turn into a genious composer.

But all in all, things are coming together, the farm is sprouting up goodness, lightning or no lightning, we will move forward.

See you all soon, Kim

The Connecticut Farmer

Many people ask "Who is Red Clover Farms"?
"We are Connecticut Farmers".

We are sweet

We collect antiques

We like to help others

We mean business

We use our fine china on special occassions

My pop-pop earned these during his days at Winchester Factory

We love bottled water

Out of the spring, into the well, pumped into a bottle. Ahh, refreshing!

We have favorite uncles

This is my grandma's brother Topsy. He was my dad's favorite uncle. He was known to be funny and friendly and had bright red hair. My dad found him in the barn one day laying on the floor. He died of a heart attack, and we have a "lucky horseshoe" hanging over the spot where he died. I wish I could have met him. I'm sure I would love him.

We stand united

We take time to smell the roses

Blooming as I type in my herb garden.

We have hard times

My grandma sold all of the gems out of family rings when we needed to make ends meet.

We serve our country

Pop-pop and pals.

We are creative

When our tractor broke this year, I found this old plow in the barn and hooked it to the back of the lawn mower. Worked great!

We have fine jewely

My pop-pop worked in the factory during the winter. He earned these pins every 5 or 10 years for his hard work and dedication to the company. These were the best they had, as most of them were plated with gold.

We love high fashion

We use natural springs

Rock well built by my great grandparents.

We check expiration dates on milk

We know how to eat well

I would scoop the grain out of this old barrel, and my pop-pop would holler "Hey Boss" to call the cows while I banged on the pan with a spoon. I don't know why this call works, but every farmer will tell you thats how you call a cow. (Ask any old farmer for fun and see what their answer is).

We love family meals

We have old beams in our barn

We love fast cars

We wear heals

We say goodbye to our brothers

We drive the men wild

My grandma Mary and her sister Ann. Everytime I run into an old-time farmer around here and I tell them that Mary Slinka was my grandmother, its always the same response -"That Mary sure was a looker!"

We wear our "Sunday Best"

We learn young

Me and my pop-pop on the put-put.

We love our "Ole John Deer"

We are musicians

This is my grandma Mary playing the guitar in our pasture. She taught me how to yodel at an early age, and I would spent hours standing outside in just the right spot near the barn, where we had the perfect echo. I am a singer/songwriter myself and have played all over the state in different bands ranging from a 9 pieces to a country duo. I recently sang in Nashville and in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, and I wrote a real dandy song called "Moonshine" when I moved back to the farm.

We salute

This is my great-grandma and great-grandpa with their son Andy. They were both Russian immigrants and didn't speak a word of English. Can you imagine how proud they were to have their son serve and represent this country? I think my great-grandpa's face says it all.

We are remembered

This is the flag that was laid over my poppop's casket. I unfolded it from the attic a few days ago when I took this picture.

We try to be organized

This is in our stone milkhouse.