Author Archives: Amy
Autumn hike along the River’s Edge Trail
In the early spring one of my goals for the year was to hike a good hunk of the River’s Edge Trail, one of the gems of the Great Falls area. There is approximately 40 miles of excellent trail along the Missouri River and through the prairie. With the cold, wet and windy spring it … Continue reading the story “Autumn hike along the River’s Edge Trail”
A little target practice
A few weeks ago we finally made it out to a nearby shooting range to try out some of our new additions to the collection. When I was pregnant with Sam we sold my Remington Model Seven 7mm-08 because it kicked more than I liked, even with the muzzle break, and was never consistent. To replace … Continue reading the story “A little target practice”
Bringing in the harvest
If I had my way, I’d be pleased as punch to be able to harvest the veggies and turn them over to someone else to process. Preparing everything and either canning, freezing or drying is not my favorite part of the season. But I love to pick. In the past few weeks we’ve harvested well over … Continue reading the story “Bringing in the harvest”
Day at the cabin
Last week we finally went down to Gramma Elsie and Grandpa Vin’s cabin in Neihart. It’s such a great place, and I can’t believe it’s taken us until the end of September to spend some time there! Of course, the boys loved it. They threw so many rocks in the creek that it might have … Continue reading the story “Day at the cabin”
I’m lovin’ the Victorio strainer
One thing I love about life in general is there’s always something to learn, and the beauty of my profession is I’m paid to do so. A couple of years ago I interviewed a mother of 9 kids who canned a considerable amount to feed her family. Our original topic wasn’t about canning, – I think it … Continue reading the story “I’m lovin’ the Victorio strainer”
I’m doing the happy dance for my pickled peppers!
Growing up in Ohio we always had pickled peppers on hand. One of my earliest canning memories is Mom canning peppers; of course, one of the reasons it’s burned into my mind is from the pain on my lips. The Hungarian medium-hot block peppers can be a bit high on the heat scale. Mom told … Continue reading the story “I’m doing the happy dance for my pickled peppers!”
Homeschoolers and honey spinning
Years ago when we lived in Kalispell we invited a homeschool group over to watch Grant extract the honey from the honey comb at the end of the season. It was a small group of around 8 to 10 kids, and we had a great time explaining how it all worked. So this year we … Continue reading the story “Homeschoolers and honey spinning”
Lessons in canning
Failure is an excellent teacher. I don’t know how many times I’ve reminded other ladies to take in their pressure canner gauges to the county Extension office before canning season, and have done it diligently over the years. Well… yesterday I grabbed 10 lbs. of green beans at the Farmer’s Market since I don’t think I’m going to … Continue reading the story “Lessons in canning”
Planting fall green manure and fall crops
It breaks my heart to think about fall, but if I remain in denial too much longer I’m going to kick myself in another month when I’m not harvesting fresh greens, as well as muttering in the spring that I should have seeded cover crops. Nature abhors bare ground, and it’s better that I fill … Continue reading the story “Planting fall green manure and fall crops”
The tomatoes are taking over
Yes, I’m a dummkopf. I knew when I planted the oh-so-cute little Brandywine/Maxifort plant that I grafted this spring on the side of the greenhouse that it was a bad idea. But I thought I’d be able to contain it. Call it springtime optimism. Now I have to crawl underneath it – just like snaking through the raspberry … Continue reading the story “The tomatoes are taking over”