Click on the photos link at the top of the page to see the new photos that have been added.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I found this at about.com. I thought I would share it.

Ingredients:

* 6 cups sliced tart apples, peeled or not
* 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
* 1/2 to 1 cup sugar, depending on tartness of apples
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 egg
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preparation:
Butter an 8-inch square baking dish. Arrange sliced apples in the prepared baking dish.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and egg; blend well. Sprinkle mixture over apples. Drizzle melted butter evenly over crumb mixture. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minute. Serve warm, with ice cream or whipped topping.

I hope you enjoy it.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I found this at about.com. I thought I would share it.

Add a little sugar if you like a sweet & sour flavor.
Ingredients:

* 4 cups sliced potatoes
* 2 cups fresh trimmed green beans, cut in 1/2-inch lengths
* 4 to 6 slices bacon
* 1/2 cup minced red onion
* 1/4 tsp. black pepper
* 1/4 cup vinegar (wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar are good)
* 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* dash garlic powder

Preparation:
Peel potatoes, halve then slice in 1/4-inch thickness. Place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and boil for 5 minutes; add green beans and more water to cover, if necessary. Boil for about 10 more minutes.

Fry bacon and drain; set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon of drippings. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil and bacon drippings slowly into the vinegar; add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour over vegetables. Crumble bacon over and toss gently. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve warm or room temperature.
Serves 4 to 6.

I hope you enjoy it.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I’m sure anyone who has ever tried their own repairs has had this problem: A small tire that has come off the rim can be difficult to re-set the bead.

I have tried straps and all types of rope contraptions to compress the center of the tread to hold the bead sealed while trying to air it up. Most have had mixed results. They seem to not hold well enough or are difficult to loosen as the tire expands.

I think I have solved my problem. I used a bar clamp reversed to be used as a spreader. After wrapping some heavy rope a couple times around the tire I secured the ends of the rope to the spreader in its narrowest position. As I squeeze the trigger to cause the clamp to spread it draws the rope tightly around the tire. This squeezes the tire and helps push the bead to the rim.

As the beads seats itself on the rim, (don’t forget to remove the valve core first) the clamp can be easily released to allow the tire to expand properly. The valve core can then be replaced and the tire can be inflated to the proper pressure. This method works very well for me.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I checked on the raspberry plants I started in pots around the first of August. I carefully removed a few plant tips from the soil and found they are already rooting. I expect to be able to cut the new plants free of the mother plants around mid September.

Stay tuned for a final report and photos of those new plants.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

The beans I planted on August 20 have all sprouted. I hope that some rain will give them a helping hand soon. It seems like it won’t be long and I’ll be worrying about frost. I’m hoping for one more crop before that happens.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I found this in the September/October 2008 issue of Countryside & Small Stock Journal. I thought I would share it.

2 quarts green tomatoes
2 quarts red tomatoes
1 bunch celery
3 large onions
1 small head cabbage
2 cucumbers
3 sweet green peppers
1/2 cup salt
6 cups vinegar
1 teaspoon mustard

Prepare and chop all veggies. Mix with salt and let stand overnight. In morning drain and add vinegar and mustard. Bring to a boil and simmer thirty minutes. Seal in hot jars.

I hope you enjoy it.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

The last week was very slow for me out in the yard. I put in a row of beans but that was about it, other than watering and some harvesting.

That’s the fun thing about gardening. It was hot and dry so not much gets done, and the plants begin to show that lack of rain. But then you look up and see all the sunflowers in full bloom. It’s was a wonderful bright spot just when I needed it. There is always something to anticipate besides the next rain. It’s what keeps me out there doing what I enjoy.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

On the top of the screen you’ll notice there is a backyard certification page. There is a link to certify your yard/garden as a wildlife habitat.

It’s a relatively simple procedure and most yards have most of the qualifications already met. I’ll be adding more information to the page to assist in the certification process.

I think this is a great project that is very educational.

I’ll see you in the backyard!

I found this at cooks.com. I thought I would share it.

1/2 c. butter, softened
2 tbsp. chopped parsley
2 tbsp. chopped chives
1/2 tsp. salt
Dash of pepper
8 cleaned ears of corn

Blend butter with parsley, chives, salt and pepper. Spread 1 heaping tablespoon on each ear; wrap individually in heavy-duty foil. Grill over glowing coals 15-20 minutes or until tender, turning occasionally.

I hope you enjoy it.

I’ll see you in the backyard!