"Urban People are NOT Farmers"

The words made me bristle immediately.

A local Facebook friend had posted the link to a much needed petition. Our city does not allow backyard chickens, and many of us would like to change that. The petition can be found here:

Urban chickens for Fort Wayne

I shared the heck out of the petition, not before excitedly replying to my friend's post "YAY! Signing immediately!"

Leave it to Facebook to create unexpected negativity. Not more than an hour later, another post appeared below mine saying (and I'm paraphrasing from memory, because since then my friend has taken her link down);

Sausage, Leek, Carrot and Butter Bean Stew

This was unique and tasty. Everyone in the family approved of and liked it. I was skeptical of using the wine, because it called for a lot, but after cooking down, the flavor was wonderful. I will be making it again!

Our Top 5 Pancakes- And a Bonus

Inventory Made

I sat down and wrote them all down.

I absolutely do not have enough room for all these seeds.

Why is collecting seeds so much fun? Magical, even? The potential in these packets as I lift them out of the seed box fairly buzzes in my hand.

Brown Bag Popcorn

A few days ago I posted an anti-microwave rant. The microwave is evil! It is emitting radiation and it is ripping the nutrients in your food to non-recognizable mutations!

Nevertheless. I'm back to tell you how to use your microwave. That evil one. Because if you are like me, you still have it there, on the counter, and it's blissfully unaware of its own danger. It just wants you to have some yummy popcorn.

Hear me out. I think this popcorn 'recipe' is a bridge, an in-between.

Valentine's Day Crystal Hearts

This is a great 'magical' activity that will surprise and delight all ages!

The kids were absolutely stunned by the crystals that formed on these Valentine hearts, as was I.

The Microwave: I just Can't Seem to Give it Up

The safety of cooking in a microwave has been a debate that's gone on for as long as I can remember. Some claim there is absolutely no danger, as long as the seals are all intact, others claim that radiation leaks out and helps cause cancer (heck, the same waves come from our cell phones and our WiFi. Unless we live in a tech-free zone, we are apparently doomed anyway!).

Chewy Oatmeal Granola Bars

We've tried a lot of different recipes for granola bars over the past couple of years. I was determined to find a successful homemade granola bar when my youngest began to want them all the time. I was tired of paying so much money for a box of excessive packaging and lots of extra--sometimes questionable--ingredients.

Pretty Treats for Our Feathered Friends!

Did you Know? Robins are usually solitary and territorial. But in harsh winter weather, you'll be more likely to see groups of them searching for food together. Keep your birdfeeders well stocked!

Mexican Green Beans with Eggs

This could not be any simpler! And it's absolutely delicious. I found it in a Mexican cookbook when I was looking for a side dish beyond beans and rice for our twice-monthly taco night.