Mr. Google says it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, but I reckon’ he ain’t never seen nothin’ stick faster than a cowboy drawl, if’n you practice frum sun up to sun down fer just a few days! Google oughta been warnin’ me to mind what I’m practicin’ – ‘cause once it sets in, it’ll stick like a tick on a hound dog! How’s this ol’ cowboy twang sittin’ with ya? … [Read more...]

By Angela Denstad Time and again the old quip about law and sausages resurfaces: To paraphrase, if you’re fond of either, it’s best not to inquire about how they’re made. But as we prepare for the annual celebration of American independence during a legislative session like no other, it’s hard not to hold big, beautiful brats – or bills – top of mind. If you’re feeling … [Read more...]

The first crop of hay is done and it’s hard to believe that the second crop of hay is almost here. I’m always surprised by the passing of time. In my head it’s still the end of winter, then all of a sudden spring is gone and summer is here! Are we living on purpose or are we just passing the time? If I’m not careful, I can get into the endless rut of doing the daily … [Read more...]

I got a few comments on my last column about making salsa verde and hopefully a handful of you tried it out.  Writing about it triggered me into picking up all the ingredients and making a nice 4 cup batch.  I made the roasted tomatillo, garlic, and serrano pepper green salsa and then put it a Dutch oven with 3 pounds of large trimmed chunks of country style pork ribs (which … [Read more...]

Nowadays we look forward to a sunny day.  Just a few weeks ago the world “woke up” and blossomed due to the warm temperatures and the sun beaming its rays down on the earth.  The greening of the landscape is expanding. I have been drawn to the flowers and vegetables we have transplanted into the soil.  One afternoon, after watering them, I decided to cut the asparagus that had … [Read more...]

Everyone knows I’m crazy about kefir, but I heard something this week and I had to share: Did you know kefir can act as a natural antidepressant? I always heard kefir could help your mood, but I didn’t really believe it until this week! A new farm guest was picking up raw milk from our farm store and told me that when he regularly drinks kefir made with raw milk, he can tell … [Read more...]

I remember doing dumb things. The worst part is, at the time, they all seemed like great ideas! I don’t know if it’s true for most teenagers, but it seems that the majority of head-shaking ideas come from overly excited boys in the midst of development. One of my all-time favorite memes is of two young boys taking turns hitting each other in the forehead with a garbage can … [Read more...]

“I am my own muse, the subject I know best” – Frida Kahlo We were fortunate enough to spend an entire month in Mexico this year.  My travels to Mexico span over 30 years, and I absolutely love the climate, the people, the culture and of course… the food!  Mexican food, or at least the flavors and ingredients, are one of the anchors of my culinary style and tastes.  Mexico is … [Read more...]

I had a pile of old calendars in my office. They stretched over several decades. I just could not destroy them since they documented so many little details I preferred to not forget. Some have great photos from which I might get some use. But the dates and the events we have participated in bring back special memories.  So in an effort to “spring clean” the office, I decided … [Read more...]

By Angela Denstad Time and again I notice in so many aspects of life that there are those who jump headfirst into the deep end, and those who cautiously tiptoe in from the shore. So, too, are differences of temperament on display as winter comes to a close. There’s no denying, of course, that the days have grown longer, the birds have returned, and school children have long … [Read more...]

Recently, I found myself navigating the aisles of my local grocery store, on a quest for chicken thighs to prepare for dinner – an ingredient I hadn’t purchased in quite some time, perhaps months. To my sheer astonishment and dismay, I was taken aback by the steep price for a mere four chicken thighs. This shocking experience triggered a deeper conversation between my husband … [Read more...]

As I write this, I find myself skating across a thin layer of frozen mud, propelled by 3,500 gallons of manure. No, this is not an attempt at extreme sports; it’s just another day on the farm. Don’t try this at home, friends, but yes, I often write in the field, while driving a tractor and hauling manure. It’s one of the quirky perks of farm life – where multitasking is a … [Read more...]

Until a couple of weeks ago I was a virgin. Bread baker that is. My need to be creative and open minded about recipe following always seemed to be a non-starter when it comes to baking.  I was always told that you can’t mess with baking recipes. You need to follow directions precisely. You can’t just change things willy nilly. “It’s the truth, trust me!”  Well, that is just … [Read more...]