Monthly Archives: June 2009

Why American Women Should Not Take Our Freedom for Granted

Has anyone else been surprised to see so many women taking to the streets in Iran, in protest of the election so obviously stolen by what’s-his-name-who’s-clearly-whacked? I am both frightened and relieved to see their covered heads, marching with fists …

Posted in Random Thoughts | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Cooking with Lard

I had never cooked with lard before. It just seemed gross to me. Plus, as a saturated fat it was on the list of things I didn’t need to add to my already saturated diet. However, my elderly, ill mother …

Posted in Food & Recipes | 36 Comments

My 5 Favorite Easy Chillin’ Summer Treats

Here in Pennsylvania, we have had torrential rain for 40 days and 40 nights, and it’s hard to believe that summer will ever come. But when it does, I’ll be ready with these 5 easy summer treats to keep my …

Posted in Food & Recipes | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Buy Local, Buy American

Last night I went into a Lowe’s for the first time. I needed to buy a cat door for the chicken coop I’m building (long story, I’ll save it for later!). I’d never been to Lowe’s before. It was fine. …

Posted in Maria Recommends | Tagged , | 19 Comments

Campfire Cooking! My 5 Favorites

I was one of those naughty Girl Scouts who only joined the troop when it was about to go on the camping trip. I knew I would get some good food cooked over an open wood fire. I think we …

Posted in Food & Recipes | 4 Comments

Stocking Up Starts Now!

For many new gardeners or foodies, the idea of harvest or stocking up seems like a fall-festival–type of activity. Nothing could be further from the truth. Harvest is happening all the time! And to be truly prepared for winter (which …

Posted in Food & Recipes | 7 Comments

Put Your Kids to Work. They’ll Be Glad You Did

I recently read a sweet little book called Growing Up Country, by Carol Bodensteiner. She describes her childhood growing up on a dairy farm in Iowa. What struck me most about her account is how much she enjoyed being challenged …

Posted in Family | Tagged , | 9 Comments
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