tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73243176283936975702024-03-13T14:04:41.538-04:00DTL Herbs LTDUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-74891740419899718922015-05-18T15:32:00.001-04:002015-05-18T15:32:35.576-04:00A Fun Event<p><font size="4">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="4">This week <a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/">DTL Herbs</a>, aka Troy and I, were invited to be the guest speaker at this years <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MacombCountyMGA">Macomb Master Gardeners Associations</a> Annual Banquet. The theme was an old fashion tea party. Troy gave a wonderful presentation on the history of tea and various interesting tea facts. I had created a special blend of herb infused tea just for this group and prepared 150 individual tea bags for all the guests. </font></p> <p><font size="4">Many of the ladies created their own special hat just for the evening. There were so many cute and pretty hats! They also had tables filled with gardening themes prizes.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oidAuz3JWTI/VVo-PJk9VsI/AAAAAAAAy5o/O8buK_wpG6Y/s1600-h/people%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="people" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="people" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tIzeUnPT6aY/VVo-QKurpvI/AAAAAAAAy5w/vl3_kIYqXmw/people_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a><font size="4">The food was amazing! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gU9OuYFsHXI/VVo-QujvtmI/AAAAAAAAy54/Ah7z9B4GnVA/s1600-h/food%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="food" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="food" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V5jOGwXuO2g/VVo-RZu3qyI/AAAAAAAAy6A/CqDjsSCiNzY/food_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a><font size="4">Each table had two door prizes.</font> <font size="4">One was a teapot with an herb planted inside and the other was a teacup planted with an herb as well.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2nbZc8yh3lk/VVo-ScjmVAI/AAAAAAAAy6I/kPtBQ9663lk/s1600-h/table%252520gifts%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="table gifts" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="table gifts" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xVCH-QpVrns/VVo-TJ9jwcI/AAAAAAAAy6Q/KeEaogouwBg/table%252520gifts_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="4">And at each persons setting they had a few little gifts. All tea related and so fun! Someone had made the cute tea pouch to hold the teabag I made, there was a package of two herb infused scones and a copy of Tea Time Magazine! What lovely gifts!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hrk0Gi0sNOM/VVo-TscCeVI/AAAAAAAAy6Y/pEa_8IXv-Mc/s1600-h/page%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="page" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S6zaJ95g_4Q/VVo-UXw6duI/AAAAAAAAy6g/cJse94-YgM8/page_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="4">It really was a very fun and lovely event. The banquet committee did an amazing job putting it all together! And Troy and I are so happy to have been part of it! We had a wonderful evening!</font></p> <p> </p> <p><font size="4"></font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-33464658173065634192014-12-11T15:37:00.001-05:002014-12-11T16:28:00.864-05:00Growing Hot Peppers for Flavor and for Fun.<p><font size="2"><span style="font-size: large">When you’re Hot, your Hot!</span></font></p><span style="font-size: large"></span> <p><font size="2"><font size="2"><font size="2"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">Habanero’s, Ghost Peppers, Cayenne Peppers, Trinidad</font> <font size="2">Scorpions, Hungarian Hots, Jalapenos? From North to South America, from Europe to Australia to India, from Africa to Asia to New Zealand and a lot of small</font> <font size="2">places in between, hot peppers are not only a bright and colorful addition to your garden, but an important part of local cooking, and a necessary ingredient in some of the worlds favorite dishes.</font></span></font></font></font></p> <p><font size="2"><font size="2"><font size="2"><span style="font-size: x-small"></span><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ggB4vH66oJY/VIoGUC1eQaI/AAAAAAAAcK4/ZwudiKjzpjY/s1600-h/2014-09-16%25252019.26.58%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-09-16 19.26.58" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-16 19.26.58" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OG0X9GqEC3M/VIoGUybd9QI/AAAAAAAAcLA/jqvvEhKQiq8/2014-09-16%25252019.26.58_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="481" height="309"></a><br><br><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">Who can eat</font> <font size="2">a bowl of chili on a cold autumn afternoon without thinking about the fact that although different cultures spell them <em>Chile’s</em>, or <em>chili’s</em> or <em>chillie’s</em>, they all use these delightfully flavorful fruits to add a little bit of pizazz to what might otherwise just be a bowl of beans, or rice, or cabbage?</font></span></font></font></font></p><font size="2"><font size="2"><font size="2"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2"></font></span> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5AoJcBrTGGs/VIoGV9c5UGI/AAAAAAAAcLI/SyLVJ_x5jhg/s1600-h/2012-04-20%25252020.53.18%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="2012-04-20 20.53.18" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-04-20 20.53.18" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nCVOB3-b3MU/VIoGWuFl4jI/AAAAAAAAcLQ/eaFvVkGd1TI/2012-04-20%25252020.53.18_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="446" height="386"></a><br></font><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2"></font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">Of course, that bowl of chili may range from the </font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">‘<em>barely feel the heat’</em> </font></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">kind you feed to Grandma, with her tea and crumpets, to the</font></span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2"> “</font><em><font size="2">Holy-Guacamole!</font> </em></span></font><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2"><em>My mouth is on fire, My tongue is convulsing, My eyes are crossed and bulging, My nose is running, I have sweat dripping off my bald spot, I can’t feel my toes or fingertips! I want some more of that!</em>” </font></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: x-small"><font size="2">kind of chili that is the star of any tailgate party, harvest festival, deer camp or other fall or winter gathering.</font> </span></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: x-small"></span><font size="2">Have you ever wondered what makes a pepper hot? Or contemplated why we can rub pepper juice on our skin and feel the heat, but we can’t pour it on our driveway to melt the winter ice?</font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1ybC3ltZ2Y/VIoIr3a-pWI/AAAAAAAAcLc/zab-RD9jGDI/s1600-h/2014-09-25%25252013.34.27%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-09-25 13.34.27" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-25 13.34.27" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PKlrlD1RQOg/VIoIstR79sI/AAAAAAAAcLk/hnR7TdzpcLM/2014-09-25%25252013.34.27_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="449" height="347"></a><br>Peppers are very clever plants really (OK, not really, but I like to anthropomorphize my plants.) They have developed defense mechanisms over the years, to help prevent fungus and bacteria and predators from destroying the species. One of those mechanisms is called <strong><em>capsaicin</em></strong> and it is the compound found in pepper spray (hence the name.) Capsaicin is a colorless, odorless, oily, anti-bacterial, antifungal substance found in hot peppers that plays a really mean trick on our nerve endings. Interestingly enough, most of the capsaicin in a pepper is found in the seeds, since it is the seeds that carry on the species, so it is the seeds that need to be protected form predators and disease.</font></p> <p><font size="2"><br>Without getting all scientific and technical, capsaicin binds to the nerve receptors and sends a pain signal to our brain. Our nerve ending believe they are being burned, when in fact no real damage is generally being done. Sometimes, the sensation is so strong, that our bodies defenses kick in, and we see the same swelling, redness, or other reactions that our body will show to sudden heat, even though there is no actual burning that occurs.</font></p><font size="2"> <p><br>Interestingly enough, this is the opposite of the compound found in </font><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2010/09/herb-of-week-mint.html"><font size="2">Mint</font></a><font size="2">. <em>Mentha</em> works the same way on nerve endings, only instead of tricking the nerve into thinking it is hot, it tricks it into thinking it is cold. This is why you get a cool sensation in your mouth when you eat peppermint, and why mentholated rub makes you feel cold when you rub it on your chest.<br></font></p> <p><font size="2">A few other things to note about capsaicin. It is believed to not only raise metabolism, but also to raise digestive metabolism, so you burn calories faster, but you also absorb less, because your body processes food faster.<br>Also, studies have shown that starting your meal with an appetizer high in capsaicin can cause you to eat less in that meal, so hot peppers can be a very valuable addition to healthy eating when weight control is an issue.<br>When you cook, you may wonder, how do you know what type of peppers to add, and how many of them to use, to get it just the way you like it, just hot enough, but not too hot?<br>In 1912, an American pharmacist, Wilbur Scoville, developed what he called the <strong>Scoville Organoleptic Test</strong> (Organoleptic is a fancy word for a test that uses our sensory organs) to measure the amount of heat in peppers.<br></font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E9SF6P5SssM/VCniQuKwESI/AAAAAAAAbLw/lvmXebXhs64/s1600-h/Scoville%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="Scoville" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Scoville" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YoDNys1Tuos/VCniRkYKryI/AAAAAAAAbL4/uNrGS1qB8nI/Scoville_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="501"></font></a><br><font size="2">Scoville extracted the heat components (capsiniods) from peppers and then diluted them in sugar water. Using a panel of five tasters, he would keep adding the pepper compounds a little at a time, until at least three of the panel members could detect the heat. Then a number was assigned to the peppers, based on that dilution.<br>In essence, for jalapeno peppers, which register roughly 3000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units) heat can be detected when the ratio is one drop of pepper extract to 3000 drops of sugar water. (approximately 2/3 c). If you want to barely register heat, add one drop of pure jalapeno juice for every 2/3 c of chili.</font></p><font size="2"> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vTpNfcaBv3E/VIoItgBsJGI/AAAAAAAAcLs/_gIQx5bMvvU/s1600-h/2014-09-14%25252011.09.36%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-09-14 11.09.36" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-14 11.09.36" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wM2Od7KxeR8/VIoIuo0QCwI/AAAAAAAAcL0/BSvSCtHvpRs/2014-09-14%25252011.09.36_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="293"></a><br>The Scoville test was used as the primary method of rating peppers for years, despite the obvious weaknesses. It depended on human testers, so it was subjective, humans all vary, as does their sensitivity. Moreover, who could work eight hours a day as a pepper tester for very many years without developing a certain immunity or resistance? Many different scientific scales and methods have been developed over the years to replace the Scoville Test, but ironically, we still use SHU’s to describe the heat in a pepper. Modern equipment allows us to analyze and determine the exact amount and concentration of capsinoids in a pepper, but once we know that the number is then converted into a SHU number for comparison.</p> <p><br>So, as we discuss Hot Peppers, I will refer to them in terms of SHU’s and now you, as the learned reader of this blog will know exactly what I am talking about.<br></p> <p>But first some growing tips:</p> <p><br></font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--orsXOVI7Ig/VCwlvNdxPJI/AAAAAAAAbRA/rELdlpw-_yc/s1600-h/2014-09-25%25252013.32.48%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-25 13.32.48" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-25 13.32.48" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gH-EQ-kBUlE/VCwlwG6ay_I/AAAAAAAAbRI/xYVnXqoMzQY/2014-09-25%25252013.32.48_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="352"></font></a><br><font size="2">.<br>Many people have planted their gardens, thinking they were planting hot banana peppers, sweet banana peppers, jalapenos, green peppers, sweet cherry peppers and habaneros, only to discover that all of their peppers were hot peppers. This often leads to someone who believes that since their two peppers cross pollinated, then their tomatoes must be cross pollinating and that is why they grew funny, or their cucumbers crossed with their squash and that is why they have strange shaped cucurbits.</font></p><font size="2"> <p><br>Again, without getting all nerdy-technical, let me assure you that isn’t what happens. When two varieties cross pollinate, the fruits they produce this year will be the fruit of the parent plant, and it is the seeds that they produce which will, if planted next year, produce a different variety of fruits. So why does it happen with peppers? Remember, most of the capsaicin is carried in the seeds, so while the green peppers you grow this year may be sweet bell peppers, the seeds inside could be a cross between a bell pepper and a Habanero. So the results of the cross pollination effect this years crop.<br>Lesson learned? Plant your hot peppers and your sweet peppers as far away from each other as is practical in the space you have to work with.</p> <p><br>There are many varieties available from nurseries, but it is more fun, more challenging and more rewarding to grow your own from seed. Many of the hottest peppers </font><a href="http://www.dtlherbsltd.com/products.html"><font size="2">DTL Herbs</font></a><font size="2"> grew in 2014 took 3-6 weeks to germinate, so allow yourself plenty of time. <br>Your plants will do best if the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees before transplanting them outdoors, this generally occurs two to three weeks after the last frost (of course, sunshine, water and air temperatures will all impact this, so predicting soil temperature is still not an exact science)</font></p><font size="2"> <p><br>Plant your pepper plants far enough apart that they have room to grow and produce, and they don’t fight each other for water and nutrients. Hot peppers require less space than sweet peppers, but should still be spaced no closer than 12” apart for maximum yield. Overcrowding can lead to less and smaller fruits.<br></p> <p>Hot peppers have very few natural predators, as ground hot peppers are often used to deter pests from other plants, but be alert for aphids, cutworms rabbits, deer or other pests that may eat the plants before fruiting begins.</p> <p><br>Even, consistent watering leads to a better tasting pepper, while dry spells, interspersed with irregular water can lead to woody or bitter peppers</p> <p><br>Pepper, and particularly hot pepper or chili flakes, is a spice rather than an herb, because it comes from the fruits and seeds of the plant rather than the leaves. But as we have expanded our product line and started growing other things we have seen more and more demand for a variety of hot peppers, so we grew several varieties this year and plan to grow even more in future years.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-diTParxohH8/VIoMWxn2BRI/AAAAAAAAcMQ/BQaG94jfLCg/s1600-h/2014-09-27%25252014.16.52%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-09-27 14.16.52" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-27 14.16.52" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9RbSElcgDuA/VIoMX7fyVrI/AAAAAAAAcMY/etILyFNSoAI/2014-09-27%25252014.16.52_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="385"></a><br>Some of the most popular this year were the ones one each end of the SHU scale. This is a quick overview of the peppers we sold at the farmers markets in 2014. <br></p> <p></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uHhnvOXkJA0/VCniSikfIEI/AAAAAAAAbMA/chJVXTXysS0/s1600-h/pepperchart%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="pepperchart" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="pepperchart" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WTKUnaBPZ98/VCniTmFX9zI/AAAAAAAAbMI/UIfFa-psRJw/pepperchart_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" height="482"></font></a><br><font size="2">Now that you know more than you ever dreamed you would want to know about hot peppers, the final question everyone asks is “How do I use them?” Jalapenos are easy, you just slice, dice, chop, mince or cut them up into your food.</font></p><font size="2"> <p><br>Or you make a quick poppers by slicing them from stem to tip, removing the seeds, mixing cream cheese, or chorizo, with a little bit of shredded cheddar, stuffing them and roasting them. Personally, I like to wrap a strip of bacon around them before I bake them for 45-60 minutes at 350°</p> <p><br> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q9yGV0GD-Hg/VCwlxPegYnI/AAAAAAAAbRQ/NKvRNAINoLs/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252013.23.04%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 13.23.04" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 13.23.04" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yGyLmdc1QYk/VCwlyCVTVaI/AAAAAAAAbRY/aPOBxRl2BZY/2014-09-02%25252013.23.04_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cD-xCP1SzxI/VCwly9uD30I/AAAAAAAAbRg/bxT5-HqPEho/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252013.23.29%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 13.23.29" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 13.23.29" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SpdN_GPvexo/VCwlzgnY3lI/AAAAAAAAbRo/efifpNF7qAE/2014-09-02%25252013.23.29_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4a-iGxWZelA/VCwl0bvZcxI/AAAAAAAAbRw/OL0klYtVE7Y/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252013.24.23%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 13.24.23" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 13.24.23" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kQrcwXJXQhw/VCwl2o6pZkI/AAAAAAAAbR4/kFM1XsSCF24/2014-09-02%25252013.24.23_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F-vxKJUFqvg/VCwl3fwJyHI/AAAAAAAAbSA/J_fqA65vmic/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252014.09.38%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 14.09.38" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 14.09.38" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZTP7smFYkBo/VCwl4VMMsjI/AAAAAAAAbSI/k2bxLcC2LWY/2014-09-02%25252014.09.38_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-O7ac4sLr0Vc/VCwl5T7K7BI/AAAAAAAAbSQ/539FkWaO3B4/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252014.09.44%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 14.09.44" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 14.09.44" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z-Vfqs26FHs/VCwl6UjEPfI/AAAAAAAAbSY/Hqvq4ot8bDQ/2014-09-02%25252014.09.44_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HbXt3hhzYHg/VCwl7HINeaI/AAAAAAAAbSg/xlS8bqDv8wI/s1600-h/2014-09-02%25252014.49.10%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2014-09-02 14.49.10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-09-02 14.49.10" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uxfU43riblg/VCwl8EupGvI/AAAAAAAAbSo/laQeTNFSlUM/2014-09-02%25252014.49.10_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="148"></font></a></p> <p><br><font size="2">When we get to some of the more exotic peppers, people become intimidated. More than once I have seen someone actually afraid to touch some of the peppers on our table at a market. The media hype, particularly around peppers like the ghost pepper, (Bhut Jolokia), has people so afraid of them that they will never get to explore the wonderful flavor the peppers have and that is truly a shame. </font></p><font size="2"> <p><br>For those who are not ready to cook with the fresh peppers, they can still be dried very easily, and once dried and crushed, can be added to food in small amounts, so as not to overwhelm the timid palette. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YQA_B7LWEOo/VIoIvZS860I/AAAAAAAAcL8/AYG_PCLg76Y/s1600-h/155144_368237999928533_1929383309_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="155144_368237999928533_1929383309_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="155144_368237999928533_1929383309_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QawfHnfSmrc/VIoIwfitHiI/AAAAAAAAcME/1f7A-mN7ino/155144_368237999928533_1929383309_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="359"></a></p> <p><br>When drying peppers, we have found it useful to slit them from stem to tip with a sharp boning knife or fillet knife, to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold inside the pepper. These ghosts and cayennes are all ready to be dried and packaged. </p> <p><br></font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kqTSExs1bpA/VCwl9QfNKlI/AAAAAAAAbSw/02RNxmT3y3M/s1600-h/2012-10-25%25252011.51.58%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2012-10-25 11.51.58" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-10-25 11.51.58" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B4OovIXbbbE/VCwl-bWwJ8I/AAAAAAAAbS4/PV7ofynQBZM/2012-10-25%25252011.51.58_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-D_cAd2aAQPc/VCwl_cWCPOI/AAAAAAAAbTA/51TZWky94j8/s1600-h/2012-10-25%25252012.01.16%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2012-10-25 12.01.16" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-10-25 12.01.16" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jrpHJ_s4k_Q/VCwmAQwwBEI/AAAAAAAAbTI/VslclEogJvc/2012-10-25%25252012.01.16_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yux59B68Y6Q/VCwmBCH0D1I/AAAAAAAAbTQ/pSpxSHR7ExU/s1600-h/2012-10-25%25252012.03.25%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2012-10-25 12.03.25" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-10-25 12.03.25" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-U9XvKQ4k5Sg/VCwmCLPy0-I/AAAAAAAAbTY/_mtjNbabhKY/2012-10-25%25252012.03.25_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OXdZWHJiadA/VCwmDNjtUgI/AAAAAAAAbTg/eIf45g7fdxg/s1600-h/2012-10-25%25252012.03.42%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font size="2"><img title="2012-10-25 12.03.42" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-10-25 12.03.42" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-opN0C7dJZoQ/VCwmEBAaIKI/AAAAAAAAbTo/5ad2-Muzd_k/2012-10-25%25252012.03.42_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></font></a><br><font size="2">Once dried, </font><font size="2">peppers can be crushed or ground and sprinkled on food, or added whole to slow cooker meals. </font></p> <p><font size="2">For a little kick in your next pot of chili, break off about half of a dried ghost pepper, and put it in a saucepan with 2 cups of tomato juice. Allow it to simmer all day long, while your chili cooks, then, take out the pepper and add the pepper infused tomato juice to the chili pot.<br></p></font><span style="font-size: large"></span> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-10854006707673835402014-10-19T17:31:00.000-04:002014-10-20T18:01:22.967-04:00Inaugural Harvest Celebration at Eastern MarketI had the amazing opportunity Thursday evening to be among the 200 people invited to attend the <a href="http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/Events/index.php/name/Inaugural-Harvest-Celebration/event/9648/">Inaugural Harvest Celebration at Eastern Market</a>. <br />
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A benefit for Detroit's <a href="http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com/">Eastern Market</a>, a non profit, six block, public market that has been working to bring farm fresh food to the people of Michigan for over 120 years, the Oct 16 event was billed as a celebration of the richness and vibrancy of the Market, to feature exceptional food and entertainment showcasing this Detroit landmark. <br />
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It was said that dinner would be an “”epicurean exuberant farm-to-table feast” with “exquisite cuisine, appetizers and desserts will be prepared by Michigan’s newest and most talented local food artisans.” paired with Michigan wines.<br />
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I must say, the event lived up to the billing. From the servers who met me at the door with drinks and trays of hors d’oeuvres, to the string ensemble from Detroit Symphony Orchestra, who played during our dessert, I was temporarily transported, from the world of farming, to a magical world of fantasy and luxury.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a8SuKrTVaa4/VEFiRl_pRrI/AAAAAAAAbcw/GhHsYZHZiyM/s1600-h/hors-doeuvres4.jpg"><img alt="hors doeuvres" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ssJoFVEnhtw/VEFiSUwLHJI/AAAAAAAAbc4/uxHEL2D52gU/hors-doeuvres_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" height="275" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="hors doeuvres" width="493" /></a><br />
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I made sure, as the trays of hors d’oeuvres circulated, to limit myself to one of each type, so as to save room for dinner. It wasn’t easy, particularly with the Caribbean Baked Wings, The Apple Chutney Crustini, or the Tomato and Basil sliders. (They had other sliders, but the Tomato and Basil were the best.)<br />
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Along with are business leaders, and government officials, several local celebrities were there. Cynthia and Edsel Ford made an appearance early in the evening, and although I would not previously have known him by sight, everyone knows the voice of Paul W. Smith of WJR who was the Master of Ceremonies. It was exciting to “bump shoulders” with some of the people who make things happen in Southeast Michigan.<br />
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A film shown during dinner highlighted two of the projects Eastern Market has focused on this year. <strong>Farm Stand,</strong> a series of pop-up markets, has allowed local grown produce to be introduced to inner city neighborhoods, and <strong>Kitchen Connect</strong> a program that provides commercially licensed ‘incubator’ kitchen space for entrepreneurs.<br />
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The newly refurbished section of Shed 5 at Eastern Market features a sparkling new community kitchen, made possible in part by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T4-IjTU6OTY/VEFiTKtD01I/AAAAAAAAbdA/UzINMwZUAlQ/s1600-h/2014-10-16%25252019.22.07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="2014-10-16 19.22.07" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jTvMbEc5yew/VEFiULIyzfI/AAAAAAAAbdI/q5AM_9H6dQI/2014-10-16%25252019.22.07_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="371" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2014-10-16 19.22.07" width="480" /></a><br />
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A “Farm to Fork” dinner, prepared by some amazing chefs, using ingredients sourced from Michigan farms was a highlight of the evening. (And I have to admit, it was rewarding to be able to explain to the people at our table what a Delicata was, how it was grown, what they looked like and why it made such good soup.)<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-duBGoonss8Q/VEFiU5Ge0RI/AAAAAAAAbdQ/Ge4mWnLCc5U/s1600-h/menu%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="menu" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hIsGr0wjVFw/VEFiVU9pOvI/AAAAAAAAbdY/aXi7WjJsOzg/menu_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="389" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="menu" width="496" /></a><br />
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Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged. To think that as a farmer, perhaps I don’t belong with the upper echelons of society. I think maybe some people hear the title <em>farmer</em> and attach subtitles like <em>redneck, bumpkin </em>or<em> hillbilly.</em> So it was encouraging to be there, among a group of some of the most influential people in the region, and know that I could hold my head up and be proud to be a farmer.<br />
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Without farmers, the entire event would have never come to pass.<br />
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.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-4348528430580738292014-10-12T12:54:00.000-04:002014-10-12T13:17:55.634-04:00Saving Seeds<p align="center">Hi everyone!</p> <p align="center">We are coming to the end of the farming season now at DTL Herbs Farm. It was an interesting season as well as a learning season for our first year actually having a farm to work with. </p> <p align="center">Besides planting, harvesting and selling our produce this year, we also made sure to do a lot of seed saving. We are specializing in all heirloom veggies (and hopefully fruit in the coming years) so, we made sure to harvest as many seeds as possible. This helps consistency from year to year. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oloY-NAbztY/VDq3r2l03vI/AAAAAAAAxgI/JLmKC3Z40QM/s1600-h/IMG_9279%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9279" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9279" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ay9AvW-Dcn0/VDq3svCWqmI/AAAAAAAAxgQ/FYu8tOMdnYU/IMG_9279_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="center">Our dining room became seed saving central this past season. I think I might actually see our table in the near future! LOL</p> <p align="center">Did you know that there are <strong>Seed Banks</strong> all over the world? Some of the world’s largest <a href="http://www.agprofessional.com/news/Update-on-the-worlds-15-largest-seed-banks-217990631.html">Seed Vaults</a> are right here in the United States!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yzSFrBh4ww8/VDq3tReAW1I/AAAAAAAAxgY/Y-fQMqBd1TQ/s1600-h/IMG_9274%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9274" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OmZky-8qH0I/VDq3uKiYIOI/AAAAAAAAxgg/DvN1Nbg8AY0/IMG_9274_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="481"></a></p> <blockquote> <p align="center">The reasons for storing seeds may be varied. In the case of food crops, many useful plants that were developed over centuries are now no longer used for commercial agricultural production and are becoming rare. Storing seeds also guards against catastrophic events like natural disasters, outbreaks of disease, or war. Unlike seed libraries or seed swaps that encourage frequent reuse and sharing of seeds, seed banks are not typically open to the public.</p> <p align="center">Source: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seed_bank">Wikipedia</a></p></blockquote> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-S_-jpLU1syg/VDq3ugiJf9I/AAAAAAAAxgo/qYIV9NHl8RQ/s1600-h/IMG_9280%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9280" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_QKJlZF5Jdk/VDq3vSPT2XI/AAAAAAAAxgw/NOGuAj-0aj0/IMG_9280_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="center">Of course, this too has taken up the table since Spring! The dehydrator. I don’t think we have had a single day in about 3 months that this thing wasn’t running. Honest! We definitely need to get several more for next year. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VPHnCZPgs7U/VDq3v_MJNuI/AAAAAAAAxg4/BvR1a3xSjFs/s1600-h/IMG_9281%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9281" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_9281" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fiFN4MhAouE/VDq3wkSyd1I/AAAAAAAAxg8/nOx9QTnTsGc/IMG_9281_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="center">We have dried a lot of various veggies this year. But, without a doubt the biggest time has been concentrated at drying our hot peppers. We have grown several of the world’s hottest peppers this season and are developing a new product. Our customers at <a href="http://www.dtlherbsltd.com/products.html">DTL Herbs</a> have been asking us for some hot and spicy mixes. We listened and dedicated a lot of time this year to grow these peppers in order to fill this need.</p> <p align="center">Oh, and in case you are wondering what those “sticks” are in the above picture, they are dill stems. Did you know they are filled with flavor as well as the leaves? Yup, I use them to flavor my oils and vinegars for here at home. They don’t look as pretty so, I don’t use them for products. but, for home use, they are just fine.</p> <p align="center">Do you save your seeds? </p> <p align="left"><font size="2"></font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-65833932113412271032014-09-22T18:19:00.001-04:002014-09-22T18:24:46.295-04:00Visiting an Apple Orchard<p>Hello everyone!</p> <p>This is my favorite time of the year, Autumn! And one of our favorite activities is a visit to an apple orchard. We stopped by Spicer Orchards a couple of weeks ago and had a great time walking around and smelling all the amazing scents!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="ap DTL 1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ap DTL 1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QFV7P0bLMcA/VCCgNFl1AeI/AAAAAAAAxRM/3YKNy3S1TVg/ap%252520DTL%2525201%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apple1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apple1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OKXVOKHOvng/VCCgORr-FtI/AAAAAAAAxRU/iJpWSPBMAag/apple1%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>At this point we could smell the fresh donuts being made. Oh, is there a better smell that fresh fried donuts? I can’t think of one!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="ap dtl 2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ap dtl 2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hcU7Ahya-R8/VCCgPgi6WGI/AAAAAAAAxRc/5wK01K_Wzvo/ap%252520dtl%2525202%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Okay, so we made a beeline straight to the donuts! Might as well get that over with.</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl6" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RH1wFRCKo2I/VCCgQ88sgKI/AAAAAAAAxRk/2FQRtB6eKfE/apdtl6%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Having had our immediate donut fix, we could enjoy looking around.</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-klwbM_HdYEk/VCCgSI-tLoI/AAAAAAAAxRs/b4bQAaHCErw/apdtl7%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>All the gorgeous fresh fruit! </p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl5" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZAq2KUFM0oY/VCCgTXvXQhI/AAAAAAAAxR0/0l7fLvOv11Q/apdtl5%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>I sneaked into the apple cider making room and took a picture! Shhh!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="ap dtl 3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ap dtl 3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0-R_JobdsIQ/VCCgUrjV07I/AAAAAAAAxR8/XHEe_TCLT9o/ap%252520dtl%2525203%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Even a wonderful little café and wine tasting room!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl 4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl 4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U3K3DtQ_hAk/VCCgV7IQFPI/AAAAAAAAxSE/UqvrFJvsCRA/apdtl%2525204%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Loved this sign! LOL</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl8" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PyWdQ3CtEo4/VCCgXGGbSUI/AAAAAAAAxSM/qaBhfw1aNds/apdtl8%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>Definitely Fall!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl10" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl10" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VUbMqY2qoVE/VCCgYby2fOI/AAAAAAAAxSU/ISaAhGI6j1g/apdtl10%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>They had a beautiful outdoor sitting area where you could enjoy apple cider and fresh donuts!</p> <p><a title="DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apdtl9" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apdtl9" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VdDHtAIDAsA/VCCgZXIEYYI/AAAAAAAAxSc/JcmKTzC5Rv0/apdtl9%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>One view of the orchards.</p> <p><a title="Apple Orchard DTL Herbs" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/09/visiting-apple-orchard.html"><img title="apple2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apple2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dsbn9NFnT6Q/VCCgapAUF9I/AAAAAAAAxSk/WP67_qE9_EA/apple2%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p>The trees were loaded with fresh ripe apples!</p> <p>Do you like to head out for a day at a local apple orchard? If so, where is your favorite place to go?</p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-7324336062438960772014-09-20T16:13:00.001-04:002014-09-20T16:13:00.812-04:00Kicking Off the Autumn Season<p>Hello!</p> <p>One of our Farming friends is <strong><em>Mums the Word</em></strong>. A local Mum farm. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qs6LSCMJCfU/VB3fqvlv3-I/AAAAAAAAxMY/AW3wxNvQlu0/s1600-h/IMG_9180%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9180" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_9180" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VVdkp8MxDlg/VB3frLdAYCI/AAAAAAAAxMg/ESlYGFvl9wE/IMG_9180_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Taking a trip to check out the Fall harvest is something we look forward to every year.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jitzkK4IhCY/VB3fr7GFdSI/AAAAAAAAxMo/scuc-eoLSEQ/s1600-h/IMG_9190%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9190" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3llZun62fsg/VB3fsZisI9I/AAAAAAAAxMw/5wr37dEtN2E/IMG_9190_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Seeing the fields with beautiful mums it such a treat! Every color you can imagine a mum coming in, they are grown here!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OnRwN-wRobs/VB3ftKGROlI/AAAAAAAAxM4/6ONFeSWkdKM/s1600-h/IMG_9191%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_9191" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WH6EzCeR0jY/VB3ft_d2IZI/AAAAAAAAxNA/ZJb29O6YEMA/IMG_9191_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>We like to have some of these beauties for our customers and this is the only farm we would ever think to buy from! Carol has us go out in the field and pick the ones we want to be potted up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uz8zqjEMsJU/VB3fut7nQZI/AAAAAAAAxNI/V5QYc5SKNwg/s1600-h/page1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="page1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Vrei6FqABUI/VB3fvAOm6UI/AAAAAAAAxNQ/jbv5ZL86IwI/page1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p>Just like our herbs and produce, nothing but the freshest, best quality and locally grown will do!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8yg1z0zijPA/VB3fwya9AkI/AAAAAAAAxNY/99gsPCMjxZc/s1600-h/page2%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="page2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qX_6acOMRZc/VB3fxnFov0I/AAAAAAAAxNg/MojrwR5GCPk/page2_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p>We don’t just buy for our customers, all of the mums that are around our home come from Carol at Mums the Word. I have had the best results with Carol’s mums. Every year they come back beautifully!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--u_dCCys6zs/VB3fyC0GraI/AAAAAAAAxNo/bQYScTjg5w4/s1600-h/page3%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="page3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL herbs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Op7HW9xBwOc/VB3fyiSudNI/AAAAAAAAxNw/2dURplTuhMw/page3_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p>This is such a fun place to visit. We definitely recommend taking a trip out to New Boston, MI and enjoy all the Autumn splendor! </p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-57278251531198930242014-06-26T13:41:00.000-04:002014-06-26T13:44:33.359-04:00Make a Simple Compost Bin<p>Hi everyone!</p> <p>One of the things we were happy to get into place at the farm is compost bin areas. We make our compost completely organically and with only vegetation (no animal products). </p> <p>Cost and time are always an issue for us. Fortunately making a compost bin doesn’t require either!</p> <p><a title="Build a simple compost bin" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/06/make-simple-compost-bin.html"><img title="pallet compost bin" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="pallet compost bin" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BpL1SuKthJM/U6xbYnmV03I/AAAAAAAAwY0/x5h6hDInSy4/pallet%252520compost%252520bin%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="346"></a></p> <p>We grabbed a few pieces of lumber that we got off of Craiglists for free (just had to load it up) and 5 pallets from the pallet pile at the farm. Craigslist is a good place to find free local pallets. They are always listed for free if you pick them up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4ZM4vwdhtCA/U6xbZfhTWmI/AAAAAAAAwXU/53Xl-Ypmw5o/s1600-h/IMG_8629%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8629" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8629" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k4hQ8LovWqg/U6xbaN1fbnI/AAAAAAAAwXc/fdIFmjCD9ME/IMG_8629_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Simply stand the pallets on ends and start nailing the extra boards to the top. You are just joining them together. You don’t need to join them on the bottom if you don’t want. We didn’t. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2qPwOm6uzZs/U6xbamft2oI/AAAAAAAAwXk/jVWG1con0-A/s1600-h/IMG_8638%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8638" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8638" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6lHBOcaasLw/U6xbbuOuqOI/AAAAAAAAwXs/ERjB0fAdtK0/IMG_8638_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Although ours is up against a hoop house, it is still free standing. Nothing was nailed into the end of the hoop house. And as you can see, we aren’t going for beauty here. The <em>beauty</em> lies in the compost! LOL</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6lt6aDEu9wU/U6xbcaS680I/AAAAAAAAwX0/6oAl94qKVdk/s1600-h/IMG_8636%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8636" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8636" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yD0gM3t6Rwo/U6xbdBfYIFI/AAAAAAAAwX8/3JGLUb5wFTo/IMG_8636_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>This is so simple, you don’t even need to worry about doing any measuring. Nothing has to be perfect. Pallets rarely are. One side is used for the fresh “to be broke down vegetation” and once it does, it gets moved to the other side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W0vZz4090GI/U6xbeHxXoNI/AAAAAAAAwYE/7fzSMxaflnQ/s1600-h/IMG_8644%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_8644" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8644" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j5maL3ZA0Jc/U6xbelJRY6I/AAAAAAAAwYM/O1BamUlCqGI/IMG_8644_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>This whole compost unit could be lifted and moved somewhere else if we wanted. </p> <p>We are making several more of these compost stations in other areas at the farm. Keeping compost bins close to where you farm/garden is ideal. Less work and you are more inclined to use them.</p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/06/make-simple-compost-bin.html"><img title="IMG_8639" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_8639" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-98ol1zH8Eqk/U6xbgJFfY3I/AAAAAAAAwY8/YmKWNa1DZwk/IMG_8639%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Start dumping in your weeds and vegetable/fruit scraps. I am always so amazed when we drive down local streets on trash day and see the bags of yard trimmings and what nots that you have to bag up separate and put out for the trash. And quite often you have to pay for a certain amount of extra bags! </p> <p> </p> <p><a title="Build a simple compost bin" href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/2014/06/make-simple-compost-bin.html"><img title="compost bin" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="compost bin" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CKEp04S9tVs/U6xbhNwtR-I/AAAAAAAAwZE/5aJd7zoL0S8/compost%252520bin%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="499"></a></p> <p>Do you compost? If so, what is your method?</p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-10101078316004316862014-05-30T15:45:00.000-04:002014-05-30T18:23:30.620-04:00How to Make a Fairy Garden<div align="center">
Hi everyone!</div>
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Earlier this month at our Garden Club Meeting, we had a woman in to teach us how to make a tabletop <strong>fairy garden</strong>. This was so much fun! </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xSd1mPbg5Ds/U4jco_8aqDI/AAAAAAAAwCY/ZmSk7EH44nI/s1600-h/How%252520to%252520make%252520a%252520fairy%252520garden%2525201%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="How to make a fairy garden 1" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pUjrCVNWJDI/U4jcprBXzzI/AAAAAAAAwCc/4FRuwRXbw30/How%252520to%252520make%252520a%252520fairy%252520garden%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="339" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="How to make a fairy garden 1" width="504" /></a></div>
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She brought all kinds of fairy accessories that she either collected of made for us to use. I am going to just start at the beginning and work my way through the tutorial!</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IlCpotgq45w/U4jcqWzfqHI/AAAAAAAAwCk/HGhZuxhmqBs/s1600-h/IMG_8323%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8323" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o5ABtWDyaYY/U4jcq7YFhDI/AAAAAAAAwCs/9V_gVMP8jAo/IMG_8323_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="604" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8323" width="404" /></a></div>
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The first step was to pick out a basket to make our garden in. She had two tables filled with different baskets to choose from.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XtIuZd36rZY/U4jcrvPnMqI/AAAAAAAAwC0/sxL_cwqO0Hc/s1600-h/page%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="page" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ogJd-AGyXD8/U4jcsTqEPXI/AAAAAAAAwC8/S8FoE6rfajI/page_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="page" width="484" /></a></div>
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We chose our accessories.</div>
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You can use and upcycle a lot of things you may already have around your home.</div>
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You can make shepherds hooks out of old wire hangers. Using a golf tee and a round marble you can make a gazing ball. Popsicle sticks can turn into garden gates. Small Christmas ornaments can also be added as gazing balls. Painted metal mesh or plastic mesh can be cut to use as a trellis. So many ideas!!</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UykB6KHsDP8/U4jctI-pDsI/AAAAAAAAwDE/cHPoABUC3jI/s1600-h/page2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="page2" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h6XtTm8uzeM/U4jctyT2_TI/AAAAAAAAwDM/I_zGbC0gt-Y/page2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="page2" width="484" /></a></div>
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Next we chose our plants. Herbs like lemon thyme work great in fairy gardens. You want small plants that grow close to the ground with a couple of spiky plants for height.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IF8yfvivcKQ/U4jcvjl7EkI/AAAAAAAAwDU/VwKB-R-Ro9g/s1600-h/IMG_8343%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8343" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C7VGuggXLO0/U4jcxtCBZwI/AAAAAAAAwDc/gg-0Os9eEEk/IMG_8343_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8343" width="504" /></a></div>
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Each table also had bags of pebbles/gravel, scissors, a small knife, soil and floral foil.</div>
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Okay, we have all our stuff, let’s make a fairy garden!</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TlGqb7-kEe8/U4jcyurb-iI/AAAAAAAAwDk/VMpwn5-6-K0/s1600-h/IMG_8344%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8344" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wppYpZgu_OU/U4jczMROJ8I/AAAAAAAAwDs/Rm5qhsUC-PQ/IMG_8344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8344" width="504" /></a></div>
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Line the inside of the basket with the floral foil. Roll down the edges to match the height of your basket. Use the small knife and poke some holes in the bottom of the foil for drainage.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--y2JjxITsIY/U4jc0B19mAI/AAAAAAAAwD0/MRGP0yEnvLo/s1600-h/IMG_8345%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8345" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5EMYDxhFuRk/U4jc03IKeHI/AAAAAAAAwD8/LVcst72uq1Y/IMG_8345_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8345" width="504" /></a></div>
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Now fill with soil.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sjXP6CsL6fc/U4jc1s19O3I/AAAAAAAAwEE/tFoPJwpJrmQ/s1600-h/IMG_8349%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8349" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lqh-KhYpP1g/U4jc2AWkz4I/AAAAAAAAwEM/X5skUenWEAw/IMG_8349_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8349" width="504" /></a></div>
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Now plant your plants. this is where your creative side kicks in. There is no right or wrong way to build your fairy garden. You just want to keep in mind your accessories and creating little pathways with the pebbles.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--IIV28J4stY/U4jc2yf2szI/AAAAAAAAwEU/3VKn8VybfGU/s1600-h/IMG_8356%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8356" border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c9wCzXk7VD4/U4jc3nw9YHI/AAAAAAAAwEc/zUFJ8MwSm84/IMG_8356_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8356" width="504" /></a></div>
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Once you have your plants in, make little pathways with your pebbles and start adding your accessories! </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jpYkN6NXS7Q/U4jc4S5TXuI/AAAAAAAAwEk/seNqRwzT6qg/s1600-h/page3%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="page3" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lQkOHLQqUNM/U4jc5B8x0iI/AAAAAAAAwEs/hIljW7IPfmI/page3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="page3" width="484" /></a></div>
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Everyone working on their fairy gardens.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j_QyHzu-oPc/U4jc5uM5Q_I/AAAAAAAAwE0/kxRXSChWFKU/s1600-h/page4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="page4" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2qBM41KIQvs/U4jc6e3b4UI/AAAAAAAAwE8/lZzR2r7s-54/page4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" height="484" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="page4" width="484" /></a></div>
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I love that everyone’s fairy garden was different. Each added their own touches.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BZu1eb43Q8M/U4jc7IH0NbI/AAAAAAAAwFE/97FkKFaDHCw/s1600-h/IMG_8360%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_8360" border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kt2bix2K0ZU/U4jc76vbG-I/AAAAAAAAwFM/CSMG9Yd7UQs/IMG_8360_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="338" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_8360" width="504" /></a></div>
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This was our fairy garden.</div>
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I honestly am hooked on making these! I just love them. We ended up making this for my mom for Mother’s Day and she loved it! </div>
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Once you have your garden made, gently water it. These are meant to be outside however, if you have the right space they can be inside as well. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CzWfmPmTZEU/U4jc8mHcRpI/AAAAAAAAwFU/Be9XJNDreLw/s1600-h/How%252520to%252520make%252520a%252520fairy%252520garden%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="How to make a fairy garden 2" border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MMCq3RC3HU8/U4jc9TZri5I/AAAAAAAAwFc/_d2rWiMqfX8/How%252520to%252520make%252520a%252520fairy%252520garden%2525202_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" height="572" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="How to make a fairy garden 2" width="404" /></a></div>
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So, are you ready to make your own fairy garden? I hope this inspired you to get creative and have some fun!</div>
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Thank you for stopping by!</div>
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Also being posted at <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/">The Thrifty Groove</a></div>
Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-59643675736720543542014-05-19T12:30:00.001-04:002014-05-19T12:57:58.150-04:00Peafowl Egg. A Rare Treat From a Farming Friend.<p> </p> <p>Peafowl eggs make a rare, delicious and hearty breakfast.</p> <p>A family friend retired from her management job here in our area, a few years back, and bought some property on the West side of Michigan. </p> <p>As a Master Gardener and animal enthusiast, it was only a matter of time before she started to raise and grow food.</p> <p>Because we have entertained the idea of raising chickens and maybe a few other things ourselves, we have watched carefully, to glean as much information as we could from the things she is doing.</p> <p>Knowing my fascination with the possibilities of poultry, on a recent visit she brought us, not only a dozen farm fresh eggs, but a peafowl egg as well. I had never tasted peahen eggs and was very excited. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hzuZKjeY0lc/U3oxjher4lI/AAAAAAAAZsU/T2uqx_5Zbu0/s1600-h/2014-05-19%25252011.15.06%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-19 11.15.06" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-19 11.15.06" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TxVb27fcgEA/U3oxkZEl1oI/AAAAAAAAZsY/JzoK7h-w32s/2014-05-19%25252011.15.06_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="370"></a></p> <p>Peafowl eggs are a rare treat, because, unlike chickens, which can lay an egg every day for most of the year, peahens will only lay eggs during a small time window in the spring,and only one egg every other day, so while an average laying hen will produce between 200 and 250 eggs per year, a peahen may produce at most 20 eggs a year, under ideal conditions. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4UCSh6n03MU/U3o4EOGiCFI/AAAAAAAAZt0/H4bMKPxDbDE/s1600-h/peahen%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="peahen" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="peahen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lOmI5eU8KoE/U3o4FNKvHgI/AAAAAAAAZt8/6RReIDL0wuE/peahen_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="366"></a></p> <p>So I was flattered and honored that she was willing to share one of her first eggs of the season with me. </p> <p>Peahen eggs are considerably larger than chicken eggs. In baking it is recommended that you use one peahen egg to replace 2 chicken eggs. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W8jwVd_OOL4/U3oxlM1djVI/AAAAAAAAZsg/VVFTnZnyef4/s1600-h/2014-05-19%25252011.15.56%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-19 11.15.56" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-19 11.15.56" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QH0WUgRTZ6s/U3oxlyveCnI/AAAAAAAAZss/MqxMi8rJmOU/2014-05-19%25252011.15.56_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="362"></a></p> <p>Another very obvious difference was the thickness of the shell. It took several good solid thwacks ( technical term) on the side of the bowl to get it to break open, while one moderate thwack is enough for a chicken egg.</p> <p>Once cracked the color and consistency was very similar to the chicken eggs from her farm, (Which of course tend to have have darker yolks than grocery store eggs.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wWmlKTlQhg8/U3oxmpjVi9I/AAAAAAAAZs0/ye2J4UE_rjM/s1600-h/2014-05-19%25252011.21.35%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-19 11.21.35" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-19 11.21.35" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XVx07ZLml9M/U3oxnSOiOvI/AAAAAAAAZs8/A3V619HcBpo/2014-05-19%25252011.21.35_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="384"></a></p> <p>I opted to fry both the peahen egg and a chicken egg, so I could taste them side by side for comparison.</p> <p>The peahen egg took quite a bit longer to cook, and had a tendency to stick to the pan a bit more. I suspect there is a chemical difference, quite possibly a higher protein level, or lower fat content, that caused this, but not being a chemist or scientist, I couldn’t say for sure. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yTLIWq8uM9w/U3oxoI-2qxI/AAAAAAAAZtE/zsfHTVikOfU/s1600-h/2014-05-19%25252011.24.48%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-19 11.24.48" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-19 11.24.48" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lg8TYGrQSEA/U3oxo4IJOeI/AAAAAAAAZtI/8nLxH9imWcU/2014-05-19%25252011.24.48_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="490" height="383"></a></p> <p>The end result was a fried egg, over medium, that was roughly twice the size of the other egg I cooked for comparison.</p> <p>The taste was very similar. The white of the peahen egg seemed to have a little less flavor than the chicken egg. The yolk seemed to have significantly richer flavor, and almost a sweetness to it. My brain immediately turned to baking. A recipe that calls for egg yolk, for a cheesecake, or even a hollandaise sauce, would logically be much better with peahen eggs, while a meringue or other recipe that just uses the white, would probably not be noticeably different. </p> <p>It was a fun experiment, a very nice breakfast, and a learning experience.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LMo_jkEtbJI/U3oxpxXod7I/AAAAAAAAZtU/w5ZOURA5w8s/s1600-h/2014-05-19%25252011.34.41%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-19 11.34.41" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-19 11.34.41" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--PeCRlTCEJ0/U3oxq8dPoPI/AAAAAAAAZtc/LTxP725WHf8/2014-05-19%25252011.34.41_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="360"></a></p> <p>Thank you Glenda, for sharing a bit of your farm with us!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-58512402728420945952014-05-03T21:28:00.001-04:002014-05-03T23:57:02.597-04:00Flower Bed on a Budget<p>When it comes to planting, my focus is generally herbs. They are my passion, and my comfort zone. I know herbs.</p> <p>But every once in a while, it is fun to step outside the box. Although Herbs are our business, Diann and I are both Advanced Master Gardeners, and we do like to plant other things as well. But for years every inch of ground we had available to us had to be carefully hoarded and allocated, to grow the herbs we needed to make our products, and we only got to squeeze in a bit of flowers here and there. Luckily with the new opportunity available to us with the farm this year, we now get to use some of our own space for other things. So we decided to make ourselves a flower bed. </p> <p>But just because we are planting something else, there is no reason to go out and spend a ton of money. Diann has been carefully teaching me for years the science of being frugal.</p> <p>So, I set our to build a flower bed, knowing I was going to do it on a budget. Generally, my projected budget for projects like this is usually zero, then if I have to go over budget by a little we evaluate and adapt as needed.</p> <p>I started out with some wood that I got on Craigslist recently. Out of Pocket Cost $0.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q4hmgA5DZt4/U2WXt75cbII/AAAAAAAAZTA/aKq-_4xQmhU/s1600-h/2014-04-15%25252012.12.09%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-04-15 12.12.09" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-04-15 12.12.09" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bu7tT-B-xLk/U2WXuomSxiI/AAAAAAAAZTI/Qe-DoJ8M1Es/2014-04-15%25252012.12.09_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="466" height="360"></a></p> <p>Then some bricks that my father in law had removed when he built a new walkway at his house. Out of Pocket Cost $0</p> <p>I traded some work and some of my time for some of the left over soil at the end of planting season at the nursery. Out of Pocket Cost $0 And the cat even helped me load it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bJfaUygd_Bc/U2WXvV-i7aI/AAAAAAAAZTQ/EllzFwgX0i4/s1600-h/2014-04-26%25252012.51.36%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-04-26 12.51.36" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-04-26 12.51.36" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NzZC7CKOaIQ/U2WXwB0VXEI/AAAAAAAAZTY/_aN98gKBkMM/2014-04-26%25252012.51.36_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="349"></a></p> <p>I traded some sunflowers that I had rescued earlier this year and repotted:<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-39IpE04_Gyg/U2WXwzIeiPI/AAAAAAAAZTg/c_Y5wdcUbO4/s1600-h/2014-04-09%25252011.29.59%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-04-09 11.29.59" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-04-09 11.29.59" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aSAeRdoezxs/U2WXxZJqFfI/AAAAAAAAZTo/oOSNhbtU2sk/2014-04-09%25252011.29.59_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="461" height="356"></a> </p> <p>for a peony, and added some lillies that were given to us last fall. Out of Pocket Cost $0</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9MvOi23d-RY/U2WXyBsaULI/AAAAAAAAZTw/AFN_TNh8e9Q/s1600-h/2014-05-03%25252020.40.07%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-03 20.40.07" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-03 20.40.07" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ttUCIHiWDbE/U2WXy5hnibI/AAAAAAAAZT4/XrWxnjo5jrg/2014-05-03%25252020.40.07_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="366"></a></p> <p>So, with a cost of zero, which is within my budget, here is what I came up with.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hyE5r7cnzFc/U2WXzgSHCaI/AAAAAAAAZUA/JgRFHhxniTQ/s1600-h/2014-05-03%25252020.04.45%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="2014-05-03 20.04.45" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-05-03 20.04.45" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g2uflNq7QW0/U2WX0aJC74I/AAAAAAAAZUI/X4wmsX5Zu-4/2014-05-03%25252020.04.45_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="369"></a></p> <p>I scattered some wildflower seeds that came free with a seed order, and some marigold seeds that we got from a friend.</p> <p>Now we will keep our eyes open for plants on Craigslist, plant exchanges, and places we can barter for plants, and see if we can fill it with color by the time summer gets here.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-83768472275154702292014-05-01T17:47:00.001-04:002014-05-01T17:49:14.916-04:0010 Thrifty Gardening Tips!<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We have been gardening on a tight budget for years. Gardening can get expense but, we have learned over these years there are ways to cut costs dramatically.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rGbhGPgB_6o/U2LAyx_-K1I/AAAAAAAAvk8/pS7xqYRUQBw/s1600-h/-%25255B7%25255D.png"><img title="-" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="-" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fVN0Vd7boX4/U2LAzzlxzgI/AAAAAAAAvlE/BaOZhohZ-GI/-_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="354" height="529"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><em>Here is our Top Ten Thrifty Gardening Tips!</em></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>1.) Look for and visit local Plant Swaps</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mIPDE2Lz2wA/U2LA0jiXreI/AAAAAAAAvlM/ZfmUwtNxT0E/s1600-h/IMG_2841%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_2841" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="dtl herbs" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BipcXeIybwg/U2LA1dziqhI/AAAAAAAAvlU/zix3FhchUnc/IMG_2841_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">This was one of the first things we did when we decided to install a perennial flower bed. Now our flower bed is so full that we need to thin it out and will take many of the thinned out flowers to our local plant swap to share with others. Garden lovers are very generous people and <em>love</em> to share!</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>2.) Save your own seeds.</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">There are some good tutorials out there for saving your own seeds. Check them out and try it out this year. Remember to save your seeds properly so you can use them next season.</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>3.) Swap Seeds</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Once again, gardeners love to share with each other!</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>4.) Use Newspaper for weed control.</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">This is not 100% perfect but, it really does help control the weeds. And the newspaper breaks down eventually.</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>5.) Compost!</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Compost all year long for great soil the following season. You don’t have to have a huge compost area. You can do something as small as a large storage container or trash can. </font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>6.) Watch for free gardening materials</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r5hazltF2yw/U2LA2B3xerI/AAAAAAAAvlc/cQzpGQqEaMI/s1600-h/unnamed%252520%25252810%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="unnamed (10)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="unnamed (10)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nNHQMGmiyww/U2LA2yumadI/AAAAAAAAvlk/0wOmHJWFDdA/unnamed%252520%25252810%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">This is a picture of a recent haul of free wood. It was listed on Craigslist. We have found a lot of freebies via Craigslist or Freecycle. Check both places daily. Also, check out trash day. yes, do a little curbside free shopping. One year we found a bunch of like new potting containers that someone threw out. </font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>7.) Let friends and family know you want to start gardening</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Just put the word out. Tell friends, family, co-workers, church members that you are in need of this or that.</font></p></blockquote> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Facebook is a great place to ask friends or family if they have something you may be needing for gardening. </font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>8.) Reduce water usage.</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Collect rain water. You can use a trash can or any other large container. Use “gray” water from your home. Example: the water from boiling potatoes or pasta.</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>9.) Learn how to take cuttings</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Once again, gardeners are generous and when asked, love to share cuttings. Ask your neighbors or friends for cuttings. Take cuttings from your own plants and create more of them.</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3"><strong>10.) Think outside the box</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rkFjVQ3uQLM/U2LA3dvaRsI/AAAAAAAAvls/dRBtfxumOsw/s1600-h/IMG_1222_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_1222_thumb" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_1222_thumb" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HzGL-lqwQZs/U2LA4F6V4YI/AAAAAAAAvl0/Lk8_qMtBrGc/IMG_1222_thumb_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="339"></a></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Look for different uses for everyday items. If you want to do some containers for plants, look around your home and see what could work before heading out and buying pots. Also check out Pinterest and other sources online for great thrifty alternatives and ideas. </font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3">I hope this helped get you thinking about gardening and how to do it inexpensively. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Do you have any thrifty gardening tips to share?</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-67676442612004813232014-04-03T00:15:00.001-04:002014-04-03T16:47:07.966-04:00Miniature Conifers and Witches Brooms<p><br>I recently attended a meeting of the Wyandotte Garden Club, where our guest speaker, John Generaux, from <a href="http://hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu/" target="_blank">Hidden Lake Gardens</a>, in Tipton Michigan, spoke to us about Miniature Conifers.</p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="John Generaux at Wyandotte Garden Club April 2014" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs LTD" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KYVDKZbLDss/UzzgQyrLgLI/AAAAAAAAYB0/zdO4X-zAnPk/2014-04-02%25252018.07.23%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="474" height="360"></a></p> <p>Hidden Lake Gardens a 755 acre a botanical Garden and arboretum operated by Michigan State University, hosts, among it’s many gardens, <a href="http://hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu/garden_highlights/the_harper_collection_of_dwarf_rare_conifers" target="_blank">The Harper Collection</a>, a collection of some 600 specimens of rare and dwarf conifers. Of course, conifers are trees that bear <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conifer_cone" target="_blank">cones</a>, what we commonly refer to as pine cones, although pines are just one of the many types of conifers. </p> <p>In a fascinating, and all too brief presentation, John explained to us about “Witches Brooms,” which are dense clusters of twigs or thickened stems that develop on the branches of woody trees.</p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="witches broom" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OAjaGyZA7qM/UzzgRwNTymI/AAAAAAAAYB8/Get0ZGZhCkU/witches%252520broom%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="334"></a></p> <p>These clusters of stems, contain genetically mutated branches, which, when propagated are a new plant, with DNA different from the tree where they were originally growing.</p> <p>John dedicates his weekends at Hidden Lake Gardens, to locating, studying, developing, propagating and preserving these newly discovered and rare varieties of trees.</p> <p>As he explained to us, in order to preserve these new species, a slip of the “broom” is taken and grafted on to a seedling of a tree of the same genus (so a spruce to a spruce, a fir to a fir, a pine to a pine, etc.)</p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="Conifer graft" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs LTD" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yGEsSQbZP8U/UzzgSnVcZyI/AAAAAAAAYCA/s042yfQO6bQ/2014-04-02%25252018.34.48%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="365"></a></p> <p>This slip was taken from a “Broom” growing on a spruce tree, so it has been grafted onto a young Norway Spruce seedling. John indicated that Norway Spruce is used because they are readily available and relatively inexpensive. </p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="Grafting Spruce Tree" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YskJJI4ap58/UzzgTqPEWAI/AAAAAAAAYCM/wUW1cLS0jzc/2014-04-02%25252018.35.04%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="458" height="354"></a></p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="Grafted Norway Spruce" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V6Vy941hoRA/UzzgUUvZqjI/AAAAAAAAYCU/xcmJm5ScUKE/2014-04-02%25252018.35.13%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="359"></a></p> <p>When the graft starts to show new growth, he knows it has successfully joined with the root stock or scion. Then, when the graft become strong and healthy enough, the top of the Norway Spruce will be cut away, leaving him with a chimera, an organism with more than one individual sets of DNA. As the tree mature, and gets strong enough, cuttings can be taken from the new growth and rooted, creating a tree that is genetically independent of both the original host and the interim scion. </p> <p>Although this process can be described in just a few sentences, in fact it can take many years.</p> <p>These are generally slow growing trees, . Many of the varieties of rare trees in the collection grow from 1/2” to 3” per year, so it could take up to 24 years to grow a tree a foot tall. In fact this miniature hemlock tree is over two years old and slightly over 1” tall. </p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com"><img title="2 year old rare miniature conifer." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs LTD" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yTkA41DOSm4/UzzgVBoVBUI/AAAAAAAAYCc/rzMkhpNkOP8/2014-04-02%25252018.29.53%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="364"></a></p> <p>John speculates that some of his trees that he is just starting now will barely be big enough to be transplanted years from now when he retires. It is clearly a work of passion and dedication, and not one motivated or driven by profit.</p> <p>This wonderful presentation ended with an invitation to visit Hidden Gardens and tour the many different collections housed there.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-4938990021770971042014-03-23T17:53:00.001-04:002014-03-23T18:09:50.652-04:00How To Start Prepping Your Gardens<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Are you ready for<strong> Spring?</strong> Ready to get out in the <strong>Garden</strong>? I know we here at <strong>DTL Herbs</strong> are! Now that the snow is beginning to finally melt I am excited about the new season and getting our herb beds and flower beds around our home ready and prepped.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xFbRspGm6AY/Uy9bboo9PSI/AAAAAAAAuu4/SW7BxmQmISs/s1600-h/IMG_81841%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_81841" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_81841" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PJGvfbSdPi8/Uy9bcoAbsNI/AAAAAAAAuvA/wfjdcVKSn2U/IMG_81841_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We are getting ready to embark on an exciting, crazy and busy new level of our business, DTL Herbs. As most of you know, we have a contract at a local well established farm for some land. This also includes having access to existing greenhouses and the opportunity for hoop houses. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5IHU23uuwqY/Uy9bdQ2ZCAI/AAAAAAAAuvI/MF43vXSir7c/s1600-h/gh2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="gh2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="gh2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ejNW9HrlxyM/Uy9beKId1-I/AAAAAAAAuvQ/pe3cc9c4aAA/gh2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="304"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We have already planted a couple of thousand herb plants and plan to get more growing. We also are adding many heirloom vegetables and fruits to our planting schedule. Yup, BIG plans for just the two of us!!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X4cipPZL_oY/Uy9X55MsyQI/AAAAAAAAuuc/VTamgTthr40/s1600-h/IMG_8184%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="Spring Onions" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DTL Herbs http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q7NEYCYlmS8/Uy9X6rmPD1I/AAAAAAAAuuk/qISOww71FmQ/IMG_8184_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Right now with the weather still not warm enough for planting, we are taking advantage of this decent weather to get our own yard prepped for Spring. Fortunately we have mostly perennial herbs and flowers planted here at home. We really have no extra time during the summer to spend energy in our home gardens. Every ounce of energy and time we have goes right into our business.</font></p> <p><a href="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/"><img title="strawberries " style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="http://dtlherbsltd.blogspot.com/" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-itbzFeLnsTY/Uy9X7ZrWQUI/AAAAAAAAuuo/b7g-Wfjvdpg/IMG_8189%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="604"></a></p> <p><font size="3">So, home garden prepping has begun around our little homestead!</font></p> <p><font size="3">I came across this article from The Home Depot (no we have no affiliation with HD). It’s a simple article about “Getting your garden prepped” and thought I would share it.</font></p> <h5><strong>CLEAN UP</strong></h5> <p>Start your garden prep by cleaning and tidying up your beds. But don’t rush the season. You can do more harm than good if you walk around in your garden while the ground is soggy or icy. Walking around now will compact the soil, making it difficult for plant roots to penetrate, and digging will leave clods of dirt you’ll struggle to break apart. <p>When the soil is dry enough, pull up any dead annuals or vegetables still standing in the garden. Also prune or cut back perennials and ornamental grasses to encourage vigorous, healthy, new growth. <p>Toss the debris in your compost pile, unless you see signs of pests or diseases. If you do, trash the plant parts to avoid spreading problems. <p>Remove any grass, rocks, weeds and twigs from your planting spot. Weeds can re-sprout from chopped-up roots, so be as thorough as you can. <h5><strong>DIG IN</strong></h5> <p>Now you’re ready to dig in. Loosen the soil by digging or tilling 6 to 8 inches deep. Dig or till up to 12 inches deep for root crops like carrots and potatoes, or plan to grow them in hills, which are flat-topped mounds of loose soil. Root crops will also thrive in raised beds filled with lots of good soil and organic matter. <h5><strong>AMEND</strong></h5> <p>If you didn’t test your soil last fall, you can still do so now. Use a home test kit or send a soil sample to your county extension service. Then add any lime, garden sulfur or nutrients the test recommends. A fall application gives amendments more time to meld with your native soil, but they’ll help improve your garden even if you’re adding them now. <p>Also add lots of good organic matter to your garden bed, such as shredded leaves, compost, and / or dehydrated manure. Organic materials loosen the soil’s structure, improving drainage and allowing roots to penetrate more easily. Turn your amendments and organic matter into the loosened soil, so everything is mixed together. <h5><strong>MULCH</strong></h5> <p>Top off your bed by mulching it with several inches of organic matter. <h5><strong>PREPPING A RAISED BED</strong></h5> <p>If you’ve never gardened in a raised bed, it’s easy to assemble one from a kit. If you’re prepping a raised bed you’ve used before, top it off with more soil, if needed, and mix in any amendments as indicated by a soil test. Finish by mulching the raised bed with a few inches of organic matter. <h5><strong>MAKE A LIST</strong></h5> <p>Before you plant, make a list of plants you want to grow. Be sure to shop early, since many popular varieties sell out fast. Jot down any seed starting supplies you need, too, such as peat pots, trays or seed starting mix. Consider using some grow lights if you’re starting a lot of seeds indoors or if you don’t get enough bright light from your windows. You may also want to invest in a seed propagating heat mat, which supplies gentle heat underneath your pots or trays to help plant roots develop faster. <p>Check your seed packets when you buy them, and mark the dates to start your seeds on a calendar. You — and your garden beds — will be ready to go when spring arrives. <p>Source: <a href="http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/prep-your-garden-bed-for-spring/">The Home Depot</a> <p><font size="3">Have you started prepping your gardens yet? Have you decided on adding anything new?</font> <p><font size="3">Remember, you can purchase our products at our online store: <a href="http://www.dtlherbsltd.com/products.html">DTL Herbs</a></font> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-69457115780308260922014-02-28T09:00:00.000-05:002014-02-28T12:04:13.401-05:00Feedback Friday #2<p><font face="Eras Demi ITC"><font style="background-color: #ffffff" color="#004000">Hi Everyone, and welcome to Feedback Friday. </font></font></p> <p align="center"><font face="Eras Demi ITC"><font style="background-color: #ffffff" color="#004000"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OVWKZQ1AQVM/Uw_vi56aImI/AAAAAAAASSM/fqnQHRmj4N0/s1600-h/Feedback%252520Friday%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Feedback Friday" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Feedback Friday" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4CAP7JQ7lJQ/Uw_vjiqexWI/AAAAAAAASSU/Jo80iW8DhQA/Feedback%252520Friday_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="371"></a></font></font></p> <p><font face="Eras Demi ITC"><font style="background-color: #ffffff" color="#004000">Feedback Friday is a feature where our customers have a chance to share their experiences with our products. </font></font></p> <p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">If you would like to write a post of Feedback Friday, and be featured on our blog, just drop us an email, and we will schedule a date for your post. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">Todays post was written by Karen Burke, a food preservation specialist and master gardener from Macomb County Michigan.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">Here’s what Karen wrote:</font></p> <p><font size="4">Hello everyone! Karen Burke here. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I would like to let all of you know how I use DTL Herbs. I currently teach dehydrating classes and use the "Herbed Salt" on zucchini slices. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JcZrL__xP3k/Uw_vkVhk00I/AAAAAAAASSc/Iax8PSGssYM/s1600-h/2012-04-21%25252012.56.25%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="2012-04-21 12.56.25" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2012-04-21 12.56.25" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KJTpnDRBTnc/Uw_vlNCfKfI/AAAAAAAASSk/3s3tH9MmcxM/2012-04-21%25252012.56.25_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="330"></font></a></p> <p align="left"><font size="4">This is a favorite class snack that I make for them to sample (In season). What I do is slice the zucchini 1/4" thick and shake the "Herbed Salt" on top, one side only. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iSr5wdmNuWc/Uw_vlrg3oUI/AAAAAAAASSs/yEEFAkyJBx0/s1600-h/IMG_0532web%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="IMG_0532web" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_0532web" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PhV8Wrqec-U/Uw_vma1-T0I/AAAAAAAASS0/iojRZYcIeSM/IMG_0532web_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="434" height="340"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I then dehydrate at 115° F until they are dry. (Approximately 8 hours depending on how humid it is)</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4">. </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SJrG5do8EeE/Uw_vm6DcLAI/AAAAAAAASS8/0hdP9qdyio8/s1600-h/zucchini2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="zucchini2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="zucchini2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w_A3MUhsQGY/Uw_vnee_FwI/AAAAAAAASTE/_aQwSMy2oTA/zucchini2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="424" height="272"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">These make a wonderful and healthy substitute for commercially processed potato chips.</font></p> <p align="center"><font size="4"> </font><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-APjZK9L59Yc/Uw_voOni_0I/AAAAAAAASTM/jZxHtBE0UVI/s1600-h/zucchini_dried%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="zucchini_dried" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="zucchini_dried" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kb4-Ntn-BoU/Uw_voveh6vI/AAAAAAAASTU/VzhKUoTsM9c/zucchini_dried_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="416" height="287"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">You may also want to try their "Chive and Dill Vegi Dip" to dip the chips in! </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-neQmfesxX24/Uw_vpX3gNSI/AAAAAAAASTc/KaQKupjgC_Y/s1600-h/Chive%252520and%252520Dill%252520Vegi%252520Dip%2525202014%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="Chive and Dill Vegi Dip 2014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Chive and Dill Vegi Dip 2014" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Yx6g6ZVTM1s/Uw_vpwzVkpI/AAAAAAAASTk/_q6BVNi4TCg/Chive%252520and%252520Dill%252520Vegi%252520Dip%2525202014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="393"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">I have been using their "Herbed Salt" on my own zucchini chips for over 3 years now and everyone loves them. </font></p> <p><font size="4">I no longer "drop and run" zucchini off at anyone’s house. In fact I actually grow MORE zucchini! </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gBPe35vJTnE/Uw_vqjbM-jI/AAAAAAAASTs/bkP_m6lNPKs/s1600-h/zucchini1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font size="4"><img title="zucchini1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="zucchini1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T9-2Z2jVDDU/Uw_vrbBtFUI/AAAAAAAAST0/3Wx0b7ry9Yo/zucchini1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="381" height="295"></font></a></p> <p><font size="4">Next month (March) I will be trying their "Hunter's Blend Dry Rub" on meat to make jerky. I'll let you know how it turns out!</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dp5da1wF8nA/Uw_vrznbt8I/AAAAAAAAST8/JBZVrPNnqnA/s1600-h/Hunters%252520Blend%252520Dry%252520Rub%2525202014%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Hunters Blend Dry Rub 2014" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Hunters Blend Dry Rub 2014" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BAX1atp9snM/Uw_vsYfGRWI/AAAAAAAASUE/l2TqW3Q0emE/Hunters%252520Blend%252520Dry%252520Rub%2525202014_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="412"></a></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="left"><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">Thank you Karen for sharing your experience with us!</font></p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">.</font> </p> <p><font face="Eras Demi ITC"></font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-14773439621507364462014-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:002014-02-14T10:00:00.530-05:00Feedback Friday #1<p><font size="3"><em>Hi everyone!</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uv7r2gnecXE/Uv2LX2x2tcI/AAAAAAAAuAk/wdCBvdtxCaY/s1600-h/ff%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="ff" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="ff" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jR4gwD7idGw/Uv2LYrnem1I/AAAAAAAAuAs/xVefJBBkLIo/ff_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="255"></a></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Welcome to our first “Feedback Friday”! We hope to to feature this a couple times each month.</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>What is Feedback Friday? It is post written by one of our DTL Herbs customers. The customer will share with us all how they use one or more of our products. </em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>If you would like to write a post, just drop us an email and we will be glad to answer any questions you have!</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Now, I would like to introduce to you Lorie, a customer from one of our Farmer’s Markets.</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><em>Now, here’s Lorie…</em></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3">We continually hear what chemicals are added to food. For instance, margarine is a few molecules away from plastic. A fast food chain has decided to remove a harmful chemical that they add to their "fresh bread". A red slime was previously added to fast food burgers, of course it was labeled as safe for human consumption. MSG has been linked to Chinese food menus and I'm sure other menus. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IuCJNxJG3BU/Uv2LZTp4CoI/AAAAAAAAuA0/Lt4ciOWBHfk/s1600-h/thODXYZ2T7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="thODXYZ2T7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thODXYZ2T7" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LIoAsRrLuaE/Uv2LaNOXJrI/AAAAAAAAuA8/lVxPEOxq44s/thODXYZ2T7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="281"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3">We eat foods that have been labeled as GMO, which is defined as,</font></p><font size="3"> <blockquote> <p><br><font color="#004000">Genetically modified organism (GMO) an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.<br></font></p></blockquote> <p><font color="#004000">My son asked me, "why do they have to add all that junk to the foods we eat." I'm a Registered Nurse and a Certified Herbalist. I'm convinced that our poor health conditions in this country are a result of the chemicals that exist in our foods.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000">Thomas Edison said, "the doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care and prevention of disease." </font></p> <p><font color="#004000">Hypocrites, Greek Physician and Herbalist, Father of Medicine said, "Let your medicine be your food and your food be your medicine."<br></font></p> <p><font color="#004000">I was introduced to this fantastic small business, DTL Herbs, 3 years ago. Their attention to growing and harvesting herbs free from chemicals and pesticides is exactly what I look for in products. The research and development of herbal combinations is amazing. When shopping during the "warm" months at Farmer Markets where DTL Herbs sells merchandise, their fragrant herbs are intoxicating and freshness is apparent.</font></p> <p><br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yZmNAC2EWIM/Uv2Lau-mwUI/AAAAAAAAuBE/6YHVBPL-lik/s1600-h/Depot%252520Town%252520Market%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Depot Town Market" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Depot Town Market" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nwOGKlBSxHs/Uv2LbbA-9_I/AAAAAAAAuBI/khxx7WkeeC4/Depot%252520Town%252520Market_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="262"></a></p> <p><font color="#004000">Many people are nervous in using herbs to cook. DTL Herbs has taken out any guess work when it comes to using the dried herbs. The combination of herbs is perfectly incorporated to produce a taste explosion that cannot be produced by store bought products. Herbs not only provide great tasting foods but also make your food healthy.<br><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SJH2VHiLNjo/Uv2Lb__hLrI/AAAAAAAAuBQ/ExcVuYGLsKc/s1600-h/thTWK2LOFB%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="thTWK2LOFB" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thTWK2LOFB" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2v10ypxEOW0/Uv2LcVnxZ7I/AAAAAAAAuBc/Yh_l9Khc2zk/thTWK2LOFB_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="258"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#004000">I enjoy making Chicken Soup loaded with fresh vegetables and I add, DTL Herbs (and all naturally dried, and grown, peppers from another local business The Garden Hoard).<br></font></p> <p><font color="#004000"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uFselwQtpZM/Uv2LdFjQSLI/AAAAAAAAuBk/s_UT21SpAhk/s1600-h/apb%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="apb" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="apb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ue3GyRAbS3Q/Uv2LdyOa0MI/AAAAAAAAuBs/OqaSiPhOa70/apb_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="264"></a></p></font> <p><font color="#004000">I add <em><strong>All Purpose Seasoning Blend</strong></em>, to my soup the last 45 minutes of the simmering stage. The smells coming from the stove, a warm bowl of soup, during a furious winter snowstorm are more than I can wait for completion.</font></p> <p><br><font color="#004000">I have never been disappointed in products purchased from DTL Herbs. Be adventurous, cook with herbs. Be healthier and get rid of the chemicals in your food. DTL Herbs is my choice for my food.</font></font></p> <p><em><font size="3"><strong>Thank you Lorie for sharing with us and for being such a wonderful DTL Herb customer! </strong></font></em></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-79511422529083029322014-02-08T16:04:00.000-05:002014-02-09T03:22:08.724-05:00An Ethical Dilemna*<p><font size="1" face="Eras Demi ITC">*I find it mildly disturbing that spellchecker keeps autocorrecting the word “dilemna” to “dilemma.” As part of an several generations who were taught to spell it with an “n” I don’t care what the ancient Greeks did. I personally will continue to use the more traditional spelling despite the efforts of a robotic dictionary to change my ways.</font></p> <p><font face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We are not a health food company. We don’t sell capsules or powders designed to increase joint health or improve memory. We don’t sell additives or supplements or herbal health shakes.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IzgBWBMRisU/UvabisZC-UI/AAAAAAAAI8o/TU3n2YjUmh4/s1600-h/Herbal-Natural-Supplements1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="Herbal-Natural-Supplements1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Herbal-Natural-Supplements1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E84KFgWS1Mc/UvabjJsbsAI/AAAAAAAAI8w/BKBBG5ZJvt4/Herbal-Natural-Supplements1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="260"></font></a></p> <p><font face="Eras Demi ITC"><font color="#004000"><font size="3">We don’t want to replace the food you eat, or even provide your daily meals. We just want to share the message that <strong>Herbs Make Good Food Taste Even Better. </strong></font></font></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ABwcitg72X0/Uvabj13M7uI/AAAAAAAAI9E/oNtQ9vvNI_A/s1600-h/Herbs%252520make%252520good%252520food%252520taste%252520even%252520better%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="Herbs make good food taste even better" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Herbs make good food taste even better" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H7_cl5JAh7U/UvabkdIN9CI/AAAAAAAAI9Q/uBmjwNJFhIg/Herbs%252520make%252520good%252520food%252520taste%252520even%252520better_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="208"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">So we set out to create products that you can add to your fresh vegetables,(Organically grown if you choose)</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pRtwyGi7Gm8/UvablDtwCLI/AAAAAAAAI9k/TrKqo9tv0QI/s1600-h/vegi%252520dip%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="vegi dip" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="vegi dip" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p_pwqV1KTok/Uvabl9QPXPI/AAAAAAAAI90/fpV10KZbaQw/vegi%252520dip_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="249"></font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC"> or your chicken … </font><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC">(free range antibiotic free if you desire,) </font></font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tB2JqubnRHg/UvabmViP0_I/AAAAAAAAI-A/GU_px3LrKes/s1600-h/s650072545142421772_p10_i1_w640%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="s650072545142421772_p10_i1_w640" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="s650072545142421772_p10_i1_w640" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kVHlNJR3R9c/UvabmxH8c9I/AAAAAAAAI-I/v5C6CwTrzfE/s650072545142421772_p10_i1_w640_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="248"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">or your bread… (gluten free is up to you,) </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-p5sLUpqK8Eg/UvabndoVfII/AAAAAAAAI-c/mbcj6ezG_DM/s1600-h/2014-02-08%25252014.19.52%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="2014-02-08 14.19.52" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="2014-02-08 14.19.52" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--UElTAfotK4/Uvabp6-fflI/AAAAAAAAI-o/BJB-wSDoIAc/2014-02-08%25252014.19.52_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="323" height="250"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">…to help whatever you choose to eat taste even better than it did before.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">But just because we don’t sell heath foods, that doesn’t mean our products aren’t healthy. We grow without the use of any chemicals. We don’t use pesticides or herbicides (even the word ‘herbicide’ makes us shudder) or chemical additives. We grow our plants as close as possible to the way they would grow in the wild, naturally and without interference. We believe that they develop the best flavor that way, and we believe that the less chemicals we put on our food, the healthier that food will be.</font></p> <div id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:44cf6adc-c187-4e9e-8f3f-2416a108101d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px"><div id="6c385e45-6c07-48d4-b9c2-e23d49b1dbc4" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gJ2z4sZ4Dw&feature=youtube_gdata_player" target="_new"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zo29YxU_25M/Uvc6qXd2bxI/AAAAAAAAQG8/dJzI_5BpuZE/video18dbd5a770a6%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('6c385e45-6c07-48d4-b9c2-e23d49b1dbc4'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1gJ2z4sZ4Dw?hl=en&hd=1\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1gJ2z4sZ4Dw?hl=en&hd=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"448\" height=\"252\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt=""></a></div></div><div style="width:448px;clear:both;font-size:.8em">The DTL Herbs Jingle</div></div> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">And, so although we don’t set out to produce <strong>Health Food</strong> <em>per se</em>, (that’s one of those fancy Latin phrases that makes one sound all smart and stuff,) We do try to produce Healthy Foods.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We don’t use MSG or any kind of flavor enhancers or artificial preservatives. We don’t use artificial flavorings, instead relying on the natural flavor of the herbs that we grow, and in only a few case do we add coloring, generally for identification purposes in products that look so similar that we can’t tell them apart without opening the package and tasting or smelling them. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We have a wide range of products with no added sugar and several products with no salt, and they are very popular.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qEf9dXvl_z8/UvabrDhFuII/AAAAAAAAI_E/vlHk6tB1p3Q/s1600-h/Untitled%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="Untitled" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Untitled" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iXBuskJEclk/UvabroDBTmI/AAAAAAAAI_U/tU6b7RmkrXo/Untitled_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="227"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">But there are times and places where sugar and salt are necessary, or at least important factors in recipes. There are chemical processes that take place when food comes into contact with sugar or with salt, that effect the flavor, the texture, and the ultimate result when cooking. </font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">And since our goal is to help everyone make good food taste even better, we try to provide a wide range of products, so that those who are not interested in eliminating the sugar or salt from their diet have options available to them. </font></p> <p align="left"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">And of course to appeal to a wide range of individual tastes as well.</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Lrx4f8CZRR8/UiYIkXJuLEI/AAAAAAAAqj8/J5BkXP7kZjg/2013-08-30-09_43_39_thumb5.jpg%3Fimgmax%3D800"></font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">So some of our products contain sugar and/or salt. In fact, our dry rubs begin with a sugar/salt blend that makes up a large percentage of the finished product. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OPlib3mQArA/UvabtOxrQqI/AAAAAAAAI_o/1ZWhSU9MrdI/s1600-h/dry%252520rubs%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="dry rubs" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="dry rubs" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3K0wkrL9Pwc/Uvabt9uS1-I/AAAAAAAAI_4/bouJP2IdaAo/dry%252520rubs_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="248"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">The sugar and salt work together to tenderize the meat and lead to a juicer more tender end result.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We grow as many of our ingredients as possible. But it simply isn’t practical to manufacture our own sugar or salt.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">This brings us to an ethical dilemna.</font><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IlpLlp-UXb0/UvabudM0dDI/AAAAAAAAJAM/F5iTZ9Q35LA/s1600-h/diamondsalt2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5MvCQonyNyE/Uvabuw89kRI/AAAAAAAAJAc/JfUj3Pvr7Nw/diamondsalt2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="142" align="right" height="244"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We can buy salt, mined, refined, packaged and distributed right here in Michigan. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">This supports our local businesses, keeps money and jobs in our community or our state, and helps promote our local economy. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Brd9uk8cAA/UvabvnH62AI/AAAAAAAAJAk/4H_mzswz3Dk/s1600-h/seasalt%25255B2%25255D.gif"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="seasalt" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="seasalt" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WTBg94pr4Lo/UvabwuSxV3I/AAAAAAAAJA4/s2XQspfUpys/seasalt_thumb.gif?imgmax=800" width="213" align="left" height="240"></font></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1Brd9uk8cAA/UvabvnH62AI/AAAAAAAAJAk/4H_mzswz3Dk/s1600-h/seasalt%25255B2%25255D.gif"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font></a> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">Or, we can use sea salt, produced somewhere in the Middle East, or in the South Pacific. Or some other overseas location. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">Sea salt is generally acknowledged as having higher amounts of trace minerals and although still salt, being a bit healthier.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Y-YGLXINKM/UvabxA9jNtI/AAAAAAAAJBE/22SDco-CGsg/s1600-h/1001029_076400005006_A_400%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font></a> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> <font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Y-YGLXINKM/UvabxA9jNtI/AAAAAAAAQHE/_d8TwElZbI8/s1600-h/1001029_076400005006_A_400%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="1001029_076400005006_A_400" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: right; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1001029_076400005006_A_400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Omd4V4s-xYY/Uvabx9oz29I/AAAAAAAAQHM/MBw9KbrGjVE/1001029_076400005006_A_400_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" align="right" height="271"></a></font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We face an even greater dilemna with Su</font><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">gar. We can buy sugar made here in Michigan, from sugar beets </font><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">grown here in Michigan. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">Again, this supports our local businesses, keeps money and jobs in our community or our state, and helps promote our local economy. And it supports the farming industry here in Michigan. An industry that we want to support whenever we can.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xr7HVAGpqvE/UvabyZkF4II/AAAAAAAAJBg/pmca-bNMw5w/s1600-h/BAG1396%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="BAG1396" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="BAG1396" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nFeg495jFzg/UvabzJ1b4LI/AAAAAAAAJBs/0iW9GuU_3ho/BAG1396_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="452" height="327"></font></a></p> <p align="left"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p align="center"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">However, it is virtually impossible to find sugar beets that are GMO free.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FggBtcr2Al4/Uvab0E38fYI/AAAAAAAAJCE/Yc9_1zkyg70/s1600-h/bean-and-beet-farm%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="Research at the Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Farm has enabled farmers to harvest more beans per acre and remain No. 1 in dry bean production nationally." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Research at the Saginaw Valley Bean and Beet Farm has enabled farmers to harvest more beans per acre and remain No. 1 in dry bean production nationally." src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FsVuM89e2Is/Uvab0pgLqeI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/1YO0bTL7TvM/bean-and-beet-farm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="431" height="338"></font></a></p> <p align="left"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">And although cane sugar is produced in limited quantities in Michigan, sugar cane is not grown locally, because of the climate.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">We have experimented with Stevia as a sweetener, but Stevia does not interact with salt to tenderize meat the way sugar does, so it is not an effective ingredient in dry rubs. And although Maple Sugar is made here in Michigan, it has a completely different flavor profile that would change the taste of our products. </font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">So once again, we choose between using a locally made product that is perhaps less healthy, or in the case of sugar, contains GMO’s, which we try to avoid, or using a product produced somewhere else and shipped into our state.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">It seems that whichever we choose, there will be a portion of our customers who are unhappy with that decision.</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">So we can only do what seems right to us.</font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mfhUzMO9M1I/Uvab16L-ytI/AAAAAAAAJCg/FvgTCw5tePU/s1600-h/32010732_05bfe8eba7_o%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC"><img title="32010732_05bfe8eba7_o" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="32010732_05bfe8eba7_o" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gAgtcEMZQM0/Uvab2teef0I/AAAAAAAAJCw/Nz1tibnFtoM/32010732_05bfe8eba7_o_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="457" height="359"></font></a></p> <p><font color="#004000" size="3" face="Eras Demi ITC">What would you do?</font></p> <p><font color="#004000" face="Eras Demi ITC"></font> </p> <p><font color="#004000"></font></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-56758191385321764062013-12-30T12:27:00.001-05:002013-12-30T12:27:03.741-05:00DTL Herbs 2013 in review<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rWvmw20EgYo" width="459"></iframe><br />
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<div><a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-76593416760078185422013-12-26T12:02:00.001-05:002013-12-26T12:02:45.196-05:00Small Space Gardening Ideas<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">We hope your Christmas was wonderful!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here it is, just barely past Christmas and all I can think about is gardening! LOL I look out at all the snow and my brain is thinking about Spring and planting!</font></p> <p><font size="3">So, I thought I would share a few fun ideas I saw from <a href="http://www.motherearthliving.com/in-the-garden/small-space-garden-projects.aspx?newsletter=1&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=MEL%20eNews%2060day%20openers&utm_campaign=12.26.13%20MEL#axzz2obHTeuYI">Mother Earth Living</a>. </font></p> <p><font size="3">We can start daydreaming together!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GN61b3dVQr0/UrxhHZvWX6I/AAAAAAAAs4Y/Z_fuo7ay4Ts/s1600-h/hanging-gutter-garden%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="hanging-gutter-garden" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="hanging-gutter-garden" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ywlWd8NIVcE/UrxhIIeb0SI/AAAAAAAAs4g/dIwdYdzEPUE/hanging-gutter-garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="682"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A Hanging Gutter Garden. This not only takes up little space, it could be used as a privacy screen type thing.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W_xXhNhDNHU/UrxhIwZbiWI/AAAAAAAAs4k/0QDJb8Ub_Hs/s1600-h/indoor-fairy-garden%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="indoor-fairy-garden" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="indoor-fairy-garden" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DRPj1_HlH7E/UrxhJfr4YgI/AAAAAAAAs4s/_C5DxzHcm18/indoor-fairy-garden_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="554"></a></p> <p><font size="3">How about planting an Indoor Fairy Garden. You could have a lot of fun with this idea and add all your own personal touches.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nwm4yOZ_dMw/UrxhKPicjhI/AAAAAAAAs40/weisF-LWzto/s1600-h/pallet-planter%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="pallet-planter" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="pallet-planter" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_2Y6KHsOjmk/UrxhKtXErlI/AAAAAAAAs48/37edo1iDxHY/pallet-planter_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="646"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Go vertical and recycle an old pallet. This would really work wonderful for herbs and on a small porch or patio!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HwThGlHUxMo/UrxhK_S2GII/AAAAAAAAs5E/MsFHzR_KRpE/s1600-h/terrarium%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="terrarium" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="terrarium" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Oqd44jtbgHw/UrxhLkn1tcI/AAAAAAAAs5Q/urbrpmOqidU/terrarium_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="385"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Don’t forget a simple indoor terrarium. This was my first gardening project that I did all by myself around the age 5. I would take an old canning jar and go into the swamp by our cabin and gather live moss and small ferns. I would create a new terrarium every summer to bring home with me.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MqM8h5n7liA/UrxhMSRfjDI/AAAAAAAAs5U/NgjdgSJOtAI/s1600-h/wine-barrel-planter%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="wine-barrel-planter" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="wine-barrel-planter" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b4t4_ohbP7E/UrxhMhCm4XI/AAAAAAAAs5g/1OYdUQ_rMAk/wine-barrel-planter_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="578"></a></p> <p><font size="3">I love this cut out oak barrel idea. It creates a pretty step down garden.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Are you starting to think about gardening yet? </font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-9751349169541159922013-11-13T18:18:00.002-05:002013-11-13T18:21:42.092-05:00Winner! Winner! Winner! And more!We are happy to announce the winners of our Power of Three contest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ2gNrKOFBYEP8hF0a9z8lB4uSLWGPoQbL6NydRohO3f-iMGJPjZtw1Z-p75jNZN-sdVlF4Ft7f94VjM6l4NSsiLBPbv1DXlSB_klN7AHL-9yi90vPXvfplBbesWJP9mkCKaMhpDcBnM/s1600/3winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ2gNrKOFBYEP8hF0a9z8lB4uSLWGPoQbL6NydRohO3f-iMGJPjZtw1Z-p75jNZN-sdVlF4Ft7f94VjM6l4NSsiLBPbv1DXlSB_klN7AHL-9yi90vPXvfplBbesWJP9mkCKaMhpDcBnM/s400/3winners.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We will need shipping information from each of you and we will get you each your Three (3) Packages of Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
But wait, there's more!<br />
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Anyone who entered and did not win, if you send us your information, you will receive a special surprise!<br />
<br />
Thank you everyone for entering the contest!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-64997873872013239802013-11-02T09:30:00.000-04:002013-11-13T18:25:56.966-05:00Power of Three Giveaway! CLOSED!<span style="font-size: small;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">A couple of days ago we hosted a fun Halloween event called “Potions and Powders” at the MSU extension offices in Macomb County. We had such a fun time with this event. We talked about the magical, mystical and some folklore regarding the use of herbs.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tQqWZJZqoIE/UnPhbFGvfyI/AAAAAAAAsO4/AWweBnhDBkU/s1600-h/IMG_7357%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7357" border="0" height="437" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OcMiTo-S8Lk/UnPhb4ko7DI/AAAAAAAAsO8/HNmS-BHapWs/IMG_7357_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7357" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We talked about the fact that the <em>Power of Three</em> is very important when creating charms, potions or spells.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ivekdEL2SYw/UnPhcaL4ZwI/AAAAAAAAsPI/wyhg9fiSwMc/s1600-h/IMG_7358%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7358" border="0" height="242" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hinGLH39GJk/UnPhczBj2LI/AAAAAAAAsPM/mYyQwFzpTKQ/IMG_7358_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7358" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We had a “Potions” table set up to create your own blend of tea.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z2Ei1ZHiwc8/UnPhdswsB9I/AAAAAAAAsPY/p9ouMVZYJW4/s1600-h/IMG_7359%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7359" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rcN63BHGn84/UnPheMtm4VI/AAAAAAAAsPc/fsn9mhc00J8/IMG_7359_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7359" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Keeping in mind the “Power of Three” when mixing up your <em>brew</em>.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_TUwSB9PLls/UnPheglsepI/AAAAAAAAsPo/nwwvJiIFIzQ/s1600-h/IMG_7361%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7361" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w7fMZdbQ6mY/UnPhfAwo-uI/AAAAAAAAsPs/66PKcRPhfkE/IMG_7361_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7361" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We had some <u><strong>treats</strong></u> and learned some <u><strong>tricks</strong></u>.</span><br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eS2SnPoZwwk/UnPhf48JE_I/AAAAAAAAsP4/bMYuP_y7GqY/s1600-h/IMG_7364%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7364" border="0" height="337" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mBGlfaKM3cs/UnPhguFVhcI/AAAAAAAAsQA/GfGdsfNn38g/IMG_7364_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7364" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We all learned some new things and had a great time. </span><br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NNkqp6QGItM/UnPhhYUUizI/AAAAAAAAsQI/agTHsdO08S8/s1600-h/IMG_7181%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_7181" border="0" height="626" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-URVXpJ5vRgo/UnPhh1eosPI/AAAAAAAAsQM/AOtQZfSiiWk/IMG_7181_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_7181" width="504" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We decided to have a fun little giveaway with the <em>Power of Three </em>in mind.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">GIVEAWAY</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We are giving away <strong>Three</strong> packages of our Toasted Herb Pumpkin Seeds to <strong>Three</strong> winners. And you will have <strong>Three</strong> different chances to win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here is how to enter:</span></div>
<ol>
<li> <div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment. If you are already a follower, leave a comment stating that.</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">Be a Friend at our Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs" title="https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs">https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs</a> and leave a second comment on this post telling us you are a fb friend.</span></div>
</li>
<li> <div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">“Like” our DTL Herb Fan page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs.ltd" title="https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs.ltd">https://www.facebook.com/dtl.herbs.ltd</a> and leave a third comment here that you liked us.</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">That’s it! <strong>Three</strong> different chances to win <strong>Three</strong> packages of Toasted Pumpkin Seeds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This giveaway ends on November 9, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Good luck everyone!</span></div>
Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-25714842627894363022013-10-31T10:00:00.000-04:002013-10-31T10:00:01.603-04:00It’s All About Pumpkins!<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p align="center"><font color="#a63600" size="5">HAPPY HALLOWEEN!</font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HlD_hZstONo/Um1L0v6zvKI/AAAAAAAAr-U/YOnBxhQIs4o/s1600-h/thCA17A7J8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="thCA17A7J8" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thCA17A7J8" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uJvU-EwU5hg/Um1L1GTJdkI/AAAAAAAAr-Y/y7MifP9sUYw/thCA17A7J8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="183"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Since we are not pumpkin farmers but, one of our favorite products for this time of the year is our Toasted Herb Pumpkin Seeds, we need LOTS of pumpkin seeds!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Us2Ni-fz0tM/Um1L1urGLGI/AAAAAAAAr-k/PDu-TDlB1lw/s1600-h/2013-10-06%25252011_53_36%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-06 11_53_36" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-06 11_53_36" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tRY_PlIpr7A/Um1L2PLshVI/AAAAAAAAr-s/UvHDEmcwfiQ/2013-10-06%25252011_53_36_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We start working with local growers and communities early in the summer to get pumpkin seeds.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WeIb8ffj3ec/Um1L29L4buI/AAAAAAAAr-0/A8JMJfFx5s8/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252015_22_01%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 15_22_01" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 15_22_01" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-eLiw3HZuPVs/Um1L3TC19FI/AAAAAAAAr-4/EsT2Ou_3MRo/2013-10-26%25252015_22_01_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Another pumpkin seed source is from local Pumpkin events. The <a href="http://www.trentonmi.org/index-Page.asp?Page_ID=13&SubPage_ID=44">Trenton Cultural Center</a> hosted a pumpkin carving and lighting festival this past weekend.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Eqv2seUcijc/Um1L35E8xxI/AAAAAAAAr_E/Felkx0KxNT4/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252015_17_12%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 15_17_12" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 15_17_12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Cndj3KXGZgU/Um1L4tzLZiI/AAAAAAAAr_M/VjN-7ewWZYI/2013-10-26%25252015_17_12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Kids created their own spooky pumpkin face.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OdHp5E33hGo/Um1L5Jdy9AI/AAAAAAAAr_U/PYxSLDrWpLo/s1600-h/page%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_YwBxvhWFBM/Um1L5kHh2nI/AAAAAAAAr_c/WJJHQ0ys0GQ/page_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o3gKsrBUGOI/Um1L6azZ42I/AAAAAAAAr_g/e8fUWFzXKAY/s1600-h/page%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S0ILzaq8V7I/Um1L6_DmVeI/AAAAAAAAr_s/G74F8qD99T0/page_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">There were a lot of pumpkins carved to be lit that evening!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-azeknt4EsAw/Um1L7VL3zYI/AAAAAAAAr_w/sknjqj1uV2g/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252015_19_23%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 15_19_23" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 15_19_23" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rvARZTpXXP8/Um1L742RydI/AAAAAAAAr_4/S0t0bJ_GPcs/2013-10-26%25252015_19_23_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">And this would be the part we are involved in! LOL</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fWVjQmHKWQ8/Um1L8Xpq6BI/AAAAAAAAsAE/C5j_AX5Yc20/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252015_18_54%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 15_18_54" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 15_18_54" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GHOjWUCw7Gw/Um1L8w7e9BI/AAAAAAAAsAI/jLZoI4qLCac/2013-10-26%25252015_18_54_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We were thrilled and thankful for buckets of pumpkin guts! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hYn-3c6OfoI/Um1L9XcRILI/AAAAAAAAsAQ/6dz6drZTmGk/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252017_31_25%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 17_31_25" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 17_31_25" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lq3Zb6cRH10/Um1L91IMIEI/AAAAAAAAsAc/rjkMQRiFsZw/2013-10-26%25252017_31_25_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Ftv1pzm1CQ/Um1L-gAZSQI/AAAAAAAAsAk/IIFkkO4Lu8c/s1600-h/2013-10-26%25252018_34_46%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-10-26 18_34_46" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2013-10-26 18_34_46" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cA4Dws-4Ejs/Um1L_ROr1dI/AAAAAAAAsAo/VcG8H7kOeYY/2013-10-26%25252018_34_46_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="513" height="373"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course that means HOURS and HOURS of cleaning and gathering pumpkin seeds! And then many more hours seasoning and toasting them before they are ready to be packaged for sale. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y9RYGcEAzDQ/Um1L_2jHDDI/AAAAAAAAsA0/ZML3-Y6zwZY/s1600-h/IMG_7127%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7127" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7127" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sSs5jCoCxaI/Um1MAShHI_I/AAAAAAAAsA4/wC6lWeU1sS0/IMG_7127_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="451" height="376"></a></p> <p><font size="3">We are dedicated to offering all of you the best quality and tasting toasted herbed pumpkin seeds possible! </font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-20552099441681237552013-10-28T10:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T10:00:01.588-04:00Mums The Word<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting <a href="http://www.carolmumstheword.com/">Mums the Word</a>. This is a local chrysanthemum farm.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MbhAMp9nJrE/UmwljqT59gI/AAAAAAAAr7U/A6pRdhLzl2Q/s1600-h/IMG_71445.jpg"><img title="IMG_7144" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7144" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-47mrXdxEr4k/UmwlkMtmmtI/AAAAAAAAr7Y/dsOBmirN2t4/IMG_7144_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="462" height="368"></a></p> <p><font size="3">When we visited, most of the mums had already been harvested for sale.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BYvU9KdEXvA/Umwlk1UqoLI/AAAAAAAAr7k/z5SDHfG7VAY/s1600-h/IMG_7173%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7173" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7173" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-haBkXdjol4c/UmwllRUHMnI/AAAAAAAAr7o/GuFLOUn4948/IMG_7173_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Not only did we have a wonderful mini class hosted by Carol the owner of the farm, we got to shop! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GgUcAKydRfg/UmwllyhQqAI/AAAAAAAAr70/o2x839hWwjI/s1600-h/page2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WC6gbHo2jtc/UmwlmWgn0tI/AAAAAAAAr78/9uwKPeArtC8/page2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Carol has a wonderful gift shop on the farm! Oh, there was so many adorable treasures!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XgOKt3wXD6U/UmwlnNt5O6I/AAAAAAAAr8E/040GZCgZc8Y/s1600-h/page1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VPUgovU6LwY/UmwlnzPb-mI/AAAAAAAAr8M/9_35pb0S17Y/page1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Wonderful Fall decorations made and ready to buy!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T3h9YMe-cZU/UmwlofWmruI/AAAAAAAAr8U/AZVO7VXUvL4/s1600-h/page%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2AeSM8L2g9I/Umwlo7j6jXI/AAAAAAAAr8c/UxhwALpa0WQ/page_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Lots of pumpkins and gourds.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Lp0wR3kvdvs/Umwlppf-VEI/AAAAAAAAr8k/hLJ-d2Rkut0/s1600-h/page4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page4" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MNBK-IR_joA/UmwlqXei27I/AAAAAAAAr8o/wdVUOWJOppc/page4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">And of course, gorgeous mums! I walked out with 5 new mums to add to my yard! Her prices are amazing and the quality is perfect!</font></p> <p><font size="3">And <a href="http://www.carolmumstheword.com/">Carol</a> is a wealth of information regarding mums! I learned so much from her! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ulkkaWWrudc/Umwlq0mIAbI/AAAAAAAAr80/Mdcq-eLAWX8/s1600-h/page3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page3" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page3" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X_TsBuk-rfo/UmwlrWqdAbI/AAAAAAAAr88/Or8CJulH_xY/page3_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">This little guy attached himself to Troy and vice versa. I thought for sure he was coming home with us!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-quipP_7zRII/UmwlsJAgCPI/AAAAAAAAr9E/8_ioMGc3L40/s1600-h/page5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ipw059hirVs/Umwlsmqt7lI/AAAAAAAAr9M/jDb62nn-mTU/page5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">On the way home from the farm, we spotted a wheelbarrow at the curb. Well, we can’t pass up a wheelbarrow! So, it came home with us!</font></p> <p><font size="3">If you live in the area, you really need to stop by <a href="http://www.carolmumstheword.com/">Mums the Word</a> and check it out! You will want to return time and time again. I can’t wait to go back and check out all the Christmas treasures the shop will have to offer this year!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here is some info:</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://www.carolmumstheword.com/">Mums the Word</a></font></p> <p>Carol & Walt <br>23665 Otter Rd<br>New Boston, Mi<br>48164 <p>(734) 516-1352<br>(734) 753-4121<br><a href="mailto:carolmumstheword@charter.net">Email</a>: <a href="mailto:carolmumstheword@charter.net">carolmumstheword@charter.net</a> <p>Hours: 9 A.M. till 6 P.M. seven days a week. Except during the Christmas season call for hours. <br>We are open around the end of August for Fall Decorations,<br>Halloween, Thanksgiving, Wreaths, Grave Blankets and Christmas Decorations. We do special orders decorations. Center Pieces, Weddings, Showers and parties all year long. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pZj9WkD0cGk/UmwltI9UHMI/AAAAAAAAr9U/PHtZIM0WiWE/s1600-h/d5fef9feaac812514bdd8a77b06a3ab7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="d5fef9feaac812514bdd8a77b06a3ab7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="d5fef9feaac812514bdd8a77b06a3ab7" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--gb77qDtTjE/UmwltpiXqbI/AAAAAAAAr9Y/xY8nnLw9xEY/d5fef9feaac812514bdd8a77b06a3ab7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="209"></a> <p><font size="3">Thank you Carol for a wonderful visit to your farm!</font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-13849116880236814392013-10-25T13:11:00.001-04:002013-10-25T13:11:43.738-04:00Saline Library Presentation<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Last month we had the pleasure of giving a class at the <a href="http://saline.lib.mi.us/">Saline Library in Saline Michigan</a>. This was our first time at this library and we are hoping not the last time! What a wonderful library! We fell in love with this place!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1Zaltv8TJhw/UmqmJ4Pmt8I/AAAAAAAAr38/YlHjat8ekbo/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_21_37%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_21_37" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_21_37" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-04057qGQoLQ/UmqmKv0f5iI/AAAAAAAAr4E/HYnF13FuTgY/2013-09-10%25252018_21_37_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Not only was it gorgeous inside but, the grounds were fantastic!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HkexoIt8_a4/UmqmLLzXQMI/AAAAAAAAr4M/g2bnBvQPrdY/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_10_00%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_10_00" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_10_00" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bCvN38_3qhE/UmqmL4GKCiI/AAAAAAAAr4U/3Q9knvWC7xQ/2013-09-10%25252018_10_00_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ATEhFwzaEsI/UmqmMav3BiI/AAAAAAAAr4c/V-lMIr908TI/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_18_53%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_18_53" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_18_53" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zsct_ztY-ok/UmqmNLfklII/AAAAAAAAr4g/Y_gKroRjFGI/2013-09-10%25252018_18_53_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cav5tlQkaSs/UmqmNl-hkSI/AAAAAAAAr4s/Wbemn7jAZsk/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_19_32%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_19_32" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_19_32" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PlDYPz8saz8/UmqmOcDH2zI/AAAAAAAAr40/mhFkcIHWQsk/2013-09-10%25252018_19_32_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">They even have a farmer’s market in the parking lot!</font></p> <p><font size="3">And how cute is this…they have a little hobbit village!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vHr1hkAaihY/UmqmO0W4DjI/AAAAAAAAr48/JUmI2gzrz_g/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_13_18%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_13_18" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_13_18" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ypR8kkvDkfY/UmqmPaGKzdI/AAAAAAAAr5E/sGoq4_-QQVk/2013-09-10%25252018_13_18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TULOE2i-jU4/UmqmQP3wMtI/AAAAAAAAr5M/h3njnJYMEVA/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_12_58%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_12_58" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_12_58" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QeV2Us1Cm7s/UmqmQ0r_tjI/AAAAAAAAr5Q/k5J88BxXAQs/2013-09-10%25252018_12_58_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7o9Yvq_S5xM/UmqmRiDjDAI/AAAAAAAAr5c/jO9RkFUQZjA/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_13_26%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_13_26" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_13_26" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z6hC395ISjU/UmqmSHCAdPI/AAAAAAAAr5k/KZ0ZCXHx5NI/2013-09-10%25252018_13_26_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fWFJ3YR23a8/UmqmS3myz6I/AAAAAAAAr5s/Flo4A67JiF8/s1600-h/2013-09-10%25252018_12_41%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2013-09-10 18_12_41" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2013-09-10 18_12_41" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WHQyGpLcCnk/UmqmTYK-PII/AAAAAAAAr50/FlSTfBq_nTY/2013-09-10%25252018_12_41_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379"></a></p> <p><font size="3">The people who attended the class were a wonderful group. </font><font size="3">We enjoyed the class so much and loved working with Katie. We hope to be back again sometime soon!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Thank you Katie and the great folks of Saline for having us!</font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-60899859276279176622013-10-22T16:38:00.001-04:002013-10-22T16:38:07.673-04:00Quarter Mania Charity Event<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Last night we participated in a charity event held by a local church group raising money for their charity, “House of Joy”. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sPDvb4w0Rew/UmbiECXumDI/AAAAAAAAroc/XpTdLOpbDC8/s1600-h/IMG_7321%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7321" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7321" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6uQcfw_6ODQ/UmbiEwW7JPI/AAAAAAAArog/mPwO1BH_oKw/IMG_7321_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">When you entered the event you could buy a “stick paddle” for $4.00 or a “Super Paddle” for $15.00. Each paddle has a number on it and there are ping pong balls with the same numbers. When you pick your paddle the coordinating ball goes into a big box. </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-liFtS31dcyk/UmbiFs_VInI/AAAAAAAAros/mFmsSGp6scw/s1600-h/IMG_7322%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7322" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7322" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h0Od6rJFSKc/UmbiGTubCfI/AAAAAAAAro0/5SUm4IdpulE/IMG_7322_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="3">So here is how it worked:</font></p> <p><font size="3">At each of the tables there was a jar to put quarters in (the honor system). If you bought the $15.00 paddle, you didn’t have to add any quarters. Basically you paid ahead of time to enter each auction.</font></p> <p><font size="3">If you bought the $4.00 paddle, you would add however many quarters they assigned to an auction you wanted to bid on.</font></p> <p><font size="3">For example, the first auction item maybe a $50.00 gift card to a salon and they placed a 3 quarter bid on it. So, me, with the $4.00 paddle decides I want to bid on this item. I add 3 quarters to the jar and hold my paddle up. </font></p> <p><font size="3">All of the paddle numbers are in the box. They pull out a number and if it is your paddle number you win the item. If they call your number and you did not have your paddle up, you did not win.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yqj-tqIMU24/UmbiHJgWyGI/AAAAAAAAro8/dO7noJeCoBQ/s1600-h/IMG_7326%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7326" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7326" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OheP3Hnmg2o/UmbiHywTySI/AAAAAAAArpA/s8bNXeZ49D0/IMG_7326_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="3">All of the vendors donated. We did two baskets filled with all of our products for the auction.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hwoV-0ErhFU/UmbiIoL6egI/AAAAAAAArpM/m-Dmc2gIFNs/s1600-h/1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bznjvKlEIRs/UmbiJR26-jI/AAAAAAAArpU/Bn8gGZb5BgE/1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Lots of very generous vendors and businesses donated!</font></p> <p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ic12T-9JdVo/UmbiKoSarqI/AAAAAAAArpc/On6FsgJ0YZs/s1600-h/page%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="page" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="page" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LpcLkkPeriI/UmbiLVCdK_I/AAAAAAAArpk/v5KOdYot3UU/page_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3"> The House of Joy is a facility that will offer support to 14 surrounding villages in Romania. Local residents will be able to take English classes, get job skills, make use of the running water for showers, and have a place of hope in their community where they can learn about Jesus Christ</font></p></blockquote> <p><font size="3">So, we now know what a “Quarter Mania” auction event is!</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7324317628393697570.post-21347743036682768102013-10-19T12:52:00.001-04:002013-10-19T12:52:29.564-04:00A Fall Festival<p><font size="3">Hi everyone!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rYrBAf8Cz7w/UmK4tCJ-PpI/AAAAAAAArjs/TdW7j2jKJv0/s1600-h/1376585_683371788342054_690586429_n%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="1376585_683371788342054_690586429_n" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1376585_683371788342054_690586429_n" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eiGkgyrAKOc/UmK4ts28SSI/AAAAAAAArjw/VKnAcWhit_c/1376585_683371788342054_690586429_n_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="314"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Last night we had fun attending and selling at the 3rd Friday event in Wyandotte! It was a special Fall Festival night!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DcHR4-rWSns/UmK4uN-HcmI/AAAAAAAArj8/Uxipl7oJL6s/s1600-h/IMG_7292%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7292" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7292" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--u_1On55AxM/UmK4uzuDl3I/AAAAAAAArkA/JriKo_xCi-s/IMG_7292_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="3">There was a chili cook-off and many tents had their chili for sale or, like us, for sampling.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DxjZTw6-Hts/UmK4vTsCr1I/AAAAAAAArkI/ZnACTYPeExc/s1600-h/2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-i9xSuFrk3EA/UmK4wF68-yI/AAAAAAAArkQ/9a29Rqci_CE/2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="476"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Food and drinks were available.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ii2v4JNDgWs/UmK4wgie2EI/AAAAAAAArkY/x3ECoiLZeto/s1600-h/1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oBa7NqIHq2U/UmK4xPQ0mQI/AAAAAAAArkk/fLgWZm8K-yk/1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="3">Of course, lots of fun vendors showed up for the party!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BfiOt65Y-1E/UmK4xkq_uFI/AAAAAAAArks/l2xRXPIICxI/s1600-h/IMG_7286%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7286" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7286" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K03xvgHWFHo/UmK4yMqMT3I/AAAAAAAArkw/6G5ugqjK5B4/IMG_7286_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="354"></a></p> <p><font size="3">A Haunted old store was there for those who dared!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3PkO6i8tycI/UmK4yvgyujI/AAAAAAAArk4/0BAEj78TrXo/s1600-h/IMG_7298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7298" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7298" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s0RYERjBZXA/UmK4zBOUsgI/AAAAAAAArlA/2jM_ZGp1ZkM/IMG_7298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="354"></a></p> <p><font size="3">“That 80’s Band’ rocked the night with lots of awesome music and dancing.</font></p> <p><font size="3">It was another fun and successful night. We had a great time and enjoyed talking with all the folks who came out to have fun and support the Wyandotte businesses! </font></p> <p><font size="3">We want to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/WyandotteBusinessAssociation?viewer_id=100001410517030">Wyandotte Business Association</a> for hosting this wonderful night!</font></p> Diannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03724974941235663416noreply@blogger.com1