tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68582020135622603042024-02-19T17:56:17.925-07:00Little Chuck's Self-sufficiency, Recycling, and Bargain LivingLittle Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-21527404424997628892017-01-07T10:25:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:31:05.317-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - How to make homemade hardwood charcoal for black powderHere's another video from Classified Survival. This time we learn how to make our own charcoal for black powder.<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XqTUnju-EpQ" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-58193125594030381412017-01-05T11:53:00.000-07:002017-01-05T11:53:47.376-07:00How to Survive a Broken Furnace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Willie and I learned some lessons last year on keeping warm when your furnace is out. A switch went out on our furnace, and, while we were waiting for the replacement part, we had to make do. Oddly enough, my brother's furnace went out last winter as well. You can read up on his tips for retaining heat here: <a href="http://moneysavingbythenumbers.blogspot.com/2015/12/winter-your-house-and-you.html">Saving Money By the Numbers - Winter, your house and you</a>. Here are the lessons that we learned at our house:<br />
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The first thing to do is to add layers. Layers of clothing, or layers of bedding. Either, or both, it's your choice. The more layers you have, the better insulated you are, the less heat is lost, and, therefore, the warmer you stay. Put thermals on, or put thermals under your pajamas. Add a sweater on top of your t-shirt. Wear socks or a warm hat to bed, if you can stand it. Add a blanket or two to your bed, and if one part of your body gets colder than the rest (your feet, or your behind, for example) put an extra blanket covering just that portion of your body. That way your whole person doesn't overheat, but that particular body part will stay warm.<br />
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If you have a space heater, set it up in your bedroom at night and keep the door closed. You can also set it up in a room where you will be spending a lot of time, such as your computer room or living room. Be sure to adhere to all safety precautions when using space heaters, as they can pose a danger if left unattended.<br />
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Keep your bathroom door closed while bathing. That way the heat from the shower or bath will remain in the room, and you won't have to exit to a freezer when you are clean and rinsed. When you are finished, leave the bathroom door open so that the heat can escape into the rest of the house. You could also bring your space heater in the bathroom while you bathe, if you are really concerned about the cold.<br />
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The next one may be a bit hard to take, but bear with me! DO YOUR CHORES! Wash dishes, wash laundry, cook dinner, do some baking. I know what you must be thinking, "Those heat sources are somewhat insignificant, how will they help raise the temperature in my home?" And, besides using your stove or oven, they may not, especially if your home is large. (You can find some recipes for baked goods here: <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/01/how-to-stay-warm-in-winter-baking.html">How to Stay Warm in Winter: Baking!</a>) If you wash dishes or laundry, the hot water heater will kick in and offer a little heat, the drying cycle on the dishwasher will offer some heat, the clothes dryer will offer some heat, but none are too terribly significant. The biggest source of heat here might be from your own body. If you are constantly moving, your body is going to generate a lot of heat. So, if you sit down to Facebook, play video games, or surf the web, bear in mind that doing your chores will keep you warmer.<br />
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-88301743993382182112016-12-07T18:46:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:28:37.730-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - How it Burns: Testing different types of black and smokeless powder.Ever wondered how different types of gunpowder burn? Here's a series of videos to demonstrate just that!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rB5XBSs_lvk" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-68475559818976742672016-11-28T18:20:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:28:07.870-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - Survival Quickie: Opening a can with a rock.Need to open a can, but don't have a can opener? Got a rock?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0MNH6fRlECg" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-23978384895688970282016-11-26T10:16:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:27:44.332-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - Aukey 20W Solar Charger Review.Need something to keep your devices charged while out hiking or packpacking? Check out this solar charger by Aukey!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gNuKb8mVt48" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-61881172941923387172016-11-25T18:58:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:27:14.741-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - Curing the Freezer. Ep1 Chicken BreastHere's the first installation of "Curing the Freezer" from Classified Survival in which we learn how to preserve some common meats that may be found in your freezer.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CqNZhKDCsJk" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-22166757132849855102016-11-13T22:56:00.001-07:002017-01-07T10:26:51.877-07:00ClassifiedSurvival - The BEST homemade fire starter!!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mP57PokPDhI" width="480"></iframe>Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-23861384102522888912016-10-20T00:00:00.000-06:002016-10-20T00:00:03.988-06:00Canning: Pumpkin<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMC8DcSO5jhnfpyDT79kH3eeA70GetacZcMRfv5PbiDIYmG4A0wv6dtuVlTgIiWm1cR9xQ0XzMfy73g5w0FpjSx9X6mrR6bCmjsKfVCW2YK9mJfQlxHotmIXpbvFB7upWEluLrQBV9J4a/s1600/DSCF2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMC8DcSO5jhnfpyDT79kH3eeA70GetacZcMRfv5PbiDIYmG4A0wv6dtuVlTgIiWm1cR9xQ0XzMfy73g5w0FpjSx9X6mrR6bCmjsKfVCW2YK9mJfQlxHotmIXpbvFB7upWEluLrQBV9J4a/s320/DSCF2653.JPG" width="213" /></a>If you've been following along with the pumpkin-related posts to date, you should have a pumpkin already peeled, seeded and chopped. Be sure that the pumpkin is not chopped into too large of pieces. What's the point of canning pumpkin if you can only fit three chunks in each jar? The next step of your operation will be to gather your <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/06/food-preservation-canning-equipment.html">canning equipment</a>, and review the <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/07/food-preservation-basics-of-canning.html">basics of canning</a>. The technique used for canning your pumpkin will be hot packing, and you will use a pressure canner to process your pumpkin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v5DdLEr2mrSxuL14zXkCF234uIXVSOAAfN5IFi3IAvREXG4sob5vlFAOC-lQd6ibCM-_GSRPh8Kswss9wRUYML7kzlQkXTVRjYdYwDI9vOmBkk46BWQ983lo1XC4rzNz26mLsWTXvYQt/s1600/DSCF2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1v5DdLEr2mrSxuL14zXkCF234uIXVSOAAfN5IFi3IAvREXG4sob5vlFAOC-lQd6ibCM-_GSRPh8Kswss9wRUYML7kzlQkXTVRjYdYwDI9vOmBkk46BWQ983lo1XC4rzNz26mLsWTXvYQt/s320/DSCF2654.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Place your peeled and chopped pumpkin into a large stockpot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Only allow it to boil for a minute or two, you just want to get it hot, not necessarily to cook it. It will get plenty of cooking in the pressure canner! Put your hot pumpkin chunks into your hot jars. In this case I decided that quarts would be good. You can add a teaspoon of salt to each quart jar if you desire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8ZEHTxobaiLo5GLk0SxHV4ofisg3ByrauGIqv8fEDK1AvGh7ha8Xqt_NL7nueTE6uvUQs6y7r5q4FaJrgnx4ACLzQ3UDRWJWBO2a0wszZRanNJeVumpvpqWOIeE5XR5IhULJLT8QJcsk/s1600/DSCF2658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8ZEHTxobaiLo5GLk0SxHV4ofisg3ByrauGIqv8fEDK1AvGh7ha8Xqt_NL7nueTE6uvUQs6y7r5q4FaJrgnx4ACLzQ3UDRWJWBO2a0wszZRanNJeVumpvpqWOIeE5XR5IhULJLT8QJcsk/s320/DSCF2658.JPG" width="320" /></a>Next you will need to fill the jars with boiling water. An electric kettle works wonders in this situation!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkyivgoq0xzvtP3-jCporKKtrtzMLAMWb0damsKi12CLnYb7urC3IN0rCmtxwsq4NdKROhWrm2JvNBlHRWWb97bnXQA1TKYal2ryNIXUEbcUR4d6YmnoGNJoBgak95K8oDn1s9UJLxSXI/s1600/DSCF2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxkyivgoq0xzvtP3-jCporKKtrtzMLAMWb0damsKi12CLnYb7urC3IN0rCmtxwsq4NdKROhWrm2JvNBlHRWWb97bnXQA1TKYal2ryNIXUEbcUR4d6YmnoGNJoBgak95K8oDn1s9UJLxSXI/s320/DSCF2660.JPG" width="320" /></a>Check your headspace using your headspace tool. You should have an inch of headspace for this canning application.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GOaXINjIV5rdYEjGEo8vbW-hmrW3m5CGrsQ342OKvvKvBmq3kLF7QQJkvtUKeqr7YcKFzrZxXRWZgWff7dMamqqLYInjrdPPrSe8EGwpNc_0Un3TMkxvCiO8tSvJeUbgZggZsGvFOMys/s1600/DSCF2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GOaXINjIV5rdYEjGEo8vbW-hmrW3m5CGrsQ342OKvvKvBmq3kLF7QQJkvtUKeqr7YcKFzrZxXRWZgWff7dMamqqLYInjrdPPrSe8EGwpNc_0Un3TMkxvCiO8tSvJeUbgZggZsGvFOMys/s320/DSCF2662.JPG" width="213" /></a>Turn your headspace tool over, or find another suitable thin plastic tool, and work out any air bubbles that may have formed during the filling process. Simply slide the tool down the outside of the food and work it around a bit. Shake, jiggle, pry, whatever you need to do to get those little bubbles out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUYbv3M5w79YuhOZj_QfkJ9nUPr0POlYyEsiFhioiM5rLyZRV7fnuhyphenhyphenXsc5zsjIStynCdF4OFDAArxcsw8SxpwV3VF4ePhauVmNX85iROQRsWrVrNAjV4Fj_PrzlaEFeD4oXfLkwwGtFd/s1600/DSCF2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUYbv3M5w79YuhOZj_QfkJ9nUPr0POlYyEsiFhioiM5rLyZRV7fnuhyphenhyphenXsc5zsjIStynCdF4OFDAArxcsw8SxpwV3VF4ePhauVmNX85iROQRsWrVrNAjV4Fj_PrzlaEFeD4oXfLkwwGtFd/s320/DSCF2665.JPG" width="320" /></a>Use a clean damp dishtowel or paper towel to wipe the rims of your jars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepxsUdGG_Bpq8NmR3KT2h-UGzF3Y5YTaJpVbgy3bRPHG_r3T8Imo-MNkVOfhFefVaUPlSj23lsFbRwVzyTKiuAFR9dm6Mgo5IZ2GqAd1fn8_4reyyopHpvEWcCvq5bYvpykWcfEDzYruT/s1600/DSCF2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepxsUdGG_Bpq8NmR3KT2h-UGzF3Y5YTaJpVbgy3bRPHG_r3T8Imo-MNkVOfhFefVaUPlSj23lsFbRwVzyTKiuAFR9dm6Mgo5IZ2GqAd1fn8_4reyyopHpvEWcCvq5bYvpykWcfEDzYruT/s320/DSCF2668.JPG" width="320" /></a>Use your lid lifter to place your lids onto your clean jar rims and screw on the rings. Remember that your rings should be "finger tight." They shouldn't be loose, but you don't have to crank them down with all your strength either.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nL7td41PYtST8seWU-d0NSzOXJTHh8OhqnsdDo07VMKxYbkA9GMgKzfywN5pEY4WnwzP3PqoH5RCW4yE1xT8OKVXAEHyG5dCtCJnQPquuu5ehuy1zfwcpisUM8JBxnaQt7CeSH26Kv-5/s1600/DSCF2669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nL7td41PYtST8seWU-d0NSzOXJTHh8OhqnsdDo07VMKxYbkA9GMgKzfywN5pEY4WnwzP3PqoH5RCW4yE1xT8OKVXAEHyG5dCtCJnQPquuu5ehuy1zfwcpisUM8JBxnaQt7CeSH26Kv-5/s320/DSCF2669.JPG" width="213" /></a>Once the water has come to a boil in your pressure canner you can lower your jars into the vessel. Since the jars will likely be hot, you will want to use your canning tongs to lower them in safely.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV5YIBr29oiOSTMRx-daGPZ0q2aWQG8I-0mmAIDWFrAB2PD0XykyJYhYjCQYRnrpRUcTTg1tiuopI7kdLSLB02WdJ7AGlyO3M-5mAJhUe7_U6-BDDh0Tu8FQUpMI3mz5Hk9JGMTbFdWsc/s1600/DSCF2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV5YIBr29oiOSTMRx-daGPZ0q2aWQG8I-0mmAIDWFrAB2PD0XykyJYhYjCQYRnrpRUcTTg1tiuopI7kdLSLB02WdJ7AGlyO3M-5mAJhUe7_U6-BDDh0Tu8FQUpMI3mz5Hk9JGMTbFdWsc/s320/DSCF2672.JPG" width="320" /></a>Once the vessel is pressurized and the weight is rocking nicely you can start your processing timer. I strongly urge you to refer to your pressure canner user's manual for processing weights and times. For me, I processed 1 hour 30 minutes at 15 pounds pressure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GUHQrQETMSUGiaolhBNkGtRyxpOEKVbJYHskAPoA-NkawCfTQSEI8ehAIoXOC0t3O7tcZwFbyjJTvNYcuT41aW1VKZEataZejmU-VxCOAh7OSV48VR0aH_dtCquemX5S3cGi7bN7YZJq/s1600/DSCF2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GUHQrQETMSUGiaolhBNkGtRyxpOEKVbJYHskAPoA-NkawCfTQSEI8ehAIoXOC0t3O7tcZwFbyjJTvNYcuT41aW1VKZEataZejmU-VxCOAh7OSV48VR0aH_dtCquemX5S3cGi7bN7YZJq/s320/DSCF2678.JPG" width="320" /></a>Don't forget that when your processed jars come out of the canner, they should be placed on a dishtowel on the counter and not touched until they are completely cool. If you put a hot jar onto the cold counter, it may burst. If you move a warm jar, the seal may be broken. Just be patient, and wait for the little fellers to cool. It will be okay, I promise.<br />
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<br />Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-69585862843881608972016-10-13T00:00:00.000-06:002016-10-13T00:00:00.247-06:00How to Peel A Pumpkin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I was tackling the task of processing my larger pumpkins I had to figure out the most efficient way of peeling it. </div>
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Using a sharp, sturdy knife and a large cutting board I began by cutting out the stem and slicing the pumpkin in half. Be sure to use long, fluid strokes while slicing. If you hesitate the blade may get stuck, and you could have a dangerous situation on your hands!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6Y2Bo5sJ4Bg_fkEL7JR2_hY0VZE17m7PHaLGAffn-m4kITEoKL0K9640NGes6kC3E4b2kOY2vNNxvNfc7fTCq6U59d1vnLA8o8lAbWAepmCjpIAvwFsHsloTpdeY_MipmL0bqq6mSLdg/s1600/DSCF2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb6Y2Bo5sJ4Bg_fkEL7JR2_hY0VZE17m7PHaLGAffn-m4kITEoKL0K9640NGes6kC3E4b2kOY2vNNxvNfc7fTCq6U59d1vnLA8o8lAbWAepmCjpIAvwFsHsloTpdeY_MipmL0bqq6mSLdg/s320/DSCF2530.JPG" width="213" /></a>Using a large metal serving spoon I scraped out all the guts and seeds and set them aside for later.<br />
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Once the guts were all scooped I started to cut the pumpkin into strips. Please be very careful with this step, as the pumpkin is very slippery and hard to hold onto.</div>
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I cut each strip into chunks. The chunks don't necessarily have to be very small, it just makes it a lot easier to peel.</div>
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Once my strip was chunked I sliced off the skin on one side and the guts on the other.<br />
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After your pumpkin is peeled and chunked you can do whatever you want with it. Some of mine I boiled up for the goats to eat.<br />
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I froze some of it for later, and the rest I canned, but that's another blog post!</div>
Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-34213477532576609752016-10-06T09:42:00.000-06:002016-10-06T09:42:01.287-06:00Roasting Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7e6YqEjNt313j-svDqSRQq5QnYTP5TrJxF0UBINaJo2y254K_IPmZ5closmeIIX0XOcpGSrSzKwwXFYeaZBbTVGmnsM-oxgknE6EvlgJco3ycgZeBWhB148eGC4wjOZA6Bjv_MW5qwz3/s1600/DSCF2488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg7e6YqEjNt313j-svDqSRQq5QnYTP5TrJxF0UBINaJo2y254K_IPmZ5closmeIIX0XOcpGSrSzKwwXFYeaZBbTVGmnsM-oxgknE6EvlgJco3ycgZeBWhB148eGC4wjOZA6Bjv_MW5qwz3/s200/DSCF2488.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMYKssqoDuaU8ljcOAJMiql_hqJsrO2ApXnIXgS6eBkeYgVKiwnNasyWI-mTHvaaJFLfCSOR_UduZK98SJnN0AptFNPHnBNTrhPep12RwTTfP2j6A_6cMBsIeAAHQXvqGHClIs-Tutl1m/s1600/DSCF2490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMYKssqoDuaU8ljcOAJMiql_hqJsrO2ApXnIXgS6eBkeYgVKiwnNasyWI-mTHvaaJFLfCSOR_UduZK98SJnN0AptFNPHnBNTrhPep12RwTTfP2j6A_6cMBsIeAAHQXvqGHClIs-Tutl1m/s200/DSCF2490.JPG" width="200" /></a>First I cut off the stems, cut them in half, then with a spoon I scraped out all the guts and seeds, and set them aside. Be sure to use a strong sturdy knife and a large cutting board. Just because they are little doesn't mean that they aren't difficult to cut. The skins are quite tough and once you make your first cut they get very slippery and hard to handle. Cut with long deliberate strokes and don't hesitate, or your blade may get stuck. That's all you need! A slippery pumpkin rolling around with a sharp blade sticking out of it! When it came to the scraping, I found a small metal spoon with a rounded end, rather than a tapered end. This made it easier to scrape the guts without digging into the flesh. If you are roasting your pumpkins to cook or bake with, I suggest doing a better job of getting the guts out than I did. Mine are for goats to eat, and they don't care if they're eating pumpkin guts or not.<br />
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I preheated my oven to 350 degrees, and lined some baking sheets with parchment paper. Next I arranged the pumpkins on the sheet pans with their cut sides down. I baked the little fellows for about 30 minutes before I began checking on them.<br />
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The easiest way to test for doneness is with a fork. If you are able to push your fork easily through the skin, they are done!<br />
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My smaller pumpkins took 30 minutes, the larger ones took about 45 minutes to cook. If you are roasting pumpkins for your own use, you can make them into pumpkin puree quite easily. Just scrape the skin from the flesh with a spoon and put the flesh into a blender or food processor. Process until smooth and you've got pumpkin puree! Just remember that it is not advisable to can pumpkin that has already been pureed. Always can pumpkin in chunks and puree when ready to use. If you need a way of preserving your pumpkin puree, put it in a reclosable container or a zip top bag and put it in your freezer. Don't forget to label and date the container so you know what you've got!<br />
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-2826305522907303582016-10-01T00:00:00.000-06:002016-10-01T00:00:03.208-06:00Pumpkins!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year one of my co-workers approached me and asked me if I would like her Halloween pumpkins for my goats. Of course I said yes! She told me that her family had painted their pumpkins that year, so they were still good and hadn't rotted like carved pumpkins would have. Painted pumpkins don't worry me, because you can scrub the paint off, and if all else fails you can peel the pumpkin and leave behind any stubborn spots of paint.<br />
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So, the first task was to give the pumpkins a bath! I put them all in my bathtub and added a drop of dish soap. Using a vegetable brush I scrubbed and scrubbed until the majority of the paint had come off. Now I just needed to decide what to do with so much pumpkin!<br />
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First I tackled the smaller pumpkins. I decided to roast them, since they were small, and save their seeds to plant in my garden.<br />
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The larger pumpkins took much more time to process. I peeled, chopped and froze one and saved the seeds to toast.<br />
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The rest of the pumpkins I decided to can.<br />
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I realize that this seems like a lot of work just to feed some pumpkins to my goats, but it makes for some very interesting learning experiences to share! Besides, during the colder months my in-the-yard friends need some extra calories to keep warm, so it will benefit them as well!<br />
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Just like any of my other themed-event kickoffs, this page will be used as an index, and links to the various projects listed here will be added as they are published. Please remember to check back often!Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-74956048406542038552016-09-07T20:12:00.000-06:002016-09-07T20:12:20.741-06:00Slow Cooker Chili Sauce for Canning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wlAd1NIkEGmRKj2yt9-R977Cv4pxval9k29neu15ubi3efy4mOrnWwmGA31WZiug6Tqk2zJjEHjjeF3GLjXfvfnIknxwyQ3he9OP-kmPO__gKnUu6J_yTLg0lldxq76vXwgTigKTW18D/s1600/DSCF2914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wlAd1NIkEGmRKj2yt9-R977Cv4pxval9k29neu15ubi3efy4mOrnWwmGA31WZiug6Tqk2zJjEHjjeF3GLjXfvfnIknxwyQ3he9OP-kmPO__gKnUu6J_yTLg0lldxq76vXwgTigKTW18D/s320/DSCF2914.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In our ongoing effort to find tasty things for us to make ourselves and can for later, Willie and I set about making chili sauce for topping our hot dogs. Everyone likes a chili dog, right? We began our search for a good no-bean chili recipe and came across <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chili-coney-dogs">this recipe at Taste of Home</a>. We modified it to fit our own use by taking the hot dogs out and increasing the sauce to meat ratio somewhat, so that it would be better for canning. Here is the recipe we devised:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 lbs ground beef, cooked and drained</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5 15oz cans tomato sauce</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5 Tbsp dried minced onion</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 ½ tsp garlic powder</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 ½ tsp mustard powder</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 ½ tsp chili powder</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.666666666666666px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 ½ tsp ground black pepper</span></div>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-d1bc8db7-8452-edab-d04c-3ff753fed572"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 14.6667px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">¼ tsp cayenne pepper, heaping</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your first step should be to brown and drain your ground beef. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXcnSoMYUUmJFUyiLRG7Lkepk4vG6BLNGLtHSlXmNVZSLdnxW3UdiLWP7KIpKF59o7FDK1FQh-DKr7d6zh8QmeWUYrGnCh1d30jCly-fXXi5KnsBcFh_vKcaoo_tx4UaI36hqsacWzstz/s1600/DSCF2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiXcnSoMYUUmJFUyiLRG7Lkepk4vG6BLNGLtHSlXmNVZSLdnxW3UdiLWP7KIpKF59o7FDK1FQh-DKr7d6zh8QmeWUYrGnCh1d30jCly-fXXi5KnsBcFh_vKcaoo_tx4UaI36hqsacWzstz/s320/DSCF2923.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This gives a better flavor, texture, and appearance to the meat than it would have if you just lumped it all in the crock pot raw.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, add in the tomato sauce.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, measure out your flavorings and seasonings This recipe is pretty easy in that all of the seasonings are dry. No chopping onions for you!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJxUt8GzNHcGBeF70Yp7RvaQZjjUOTsiVSVhwNg959q70doLL_ucKOT5LsOOAqwrseEzZCOTFRAKPwMuqzGbGy8AssA3wRE3aSuN7y96T_eu-8mdbESceDDtmCS2kK_8xOBr9fDkNQBLw/s1600/DSCF2933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyJxUt8GzNHcGBeF70Yp7RvaQZjjUOTsiVSVhwNg959q70doLL_ucKOT5LsOOAqwrseEzZCOTFRAKPwMuqzGbGy8AssA3wRE3aSuN7y96T_eu-8mdbESceDDtmCS2kK_8xOBr9fDkNQBLw/s320/DSCF2933.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Stir it all up and put the lid on. Allow it to cook for about 4-5 hours on low. Just long enough to warm it up and allow the flavors to mingle a bit.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv8SfjDqk6sr2lDgPwnz-jWyxfFXBAA-FzJoxs8XL2HmYRZ5dFj2m-negDb1yx9m5WFJIb3jKfbQesosrACOFate-ZfIYwcS2siBfnVlPLvl5wUOhxXBqWBkCNY_1bH3ROdXcUufULxGW/s1600/DSCF2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOv8SfjDqk6sr2lDgPwnz-jWyxfFXBAA-FzJoxs8XL2HmYRZ5dFj2m-negDb1yx9m5WFJIb3jKfbQesosrACOFate-ZfIYwcS2siBfnVlPLvl5wUOhxXBqWBkCNY_1bH3ROdXcUufULxGW/s320/DSCF2938.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Once it is good and hot, turn your crock pot to "keep warm" and start preparing your jars and equipment for canning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you need help with <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/06/food-preservation-canning-equipment.html">canning equipment</a>, please see my blog post on the subject. Otherwise, continue on to my <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/07/food-preservation-basics-of-canning.html">Basics of Canning</a> page for further instructions on preparing home-canned food. Please note that we processed our chili sauce as though it were spaghetti sauce with meat. Please check your pressure canner's instruction manual for directions on how long to process your sauce, and at what pressure.</span></span><br />
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Don't forget! You can always pull a jar of chili out of the pantry for <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2014/07/moms-chili-cheese-sandwiches.html">Chili Cheese Sandwiches</a> as well!Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-26694118199459584172016-08-04T08:05:00.000-06:002016-08-08T18:09:04.644-06:00Slow Cooker Freezer Meals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4pMrrzkmU4pnJLT7c9waZCzOrbqappHhGOQyf_8TNhtNjBmQ54YWeq5r2Sy7fQt_Q-nzlRlnz5Btre3gVfmsYS8FwiqjdJfP7bX4tWJ4w08Kk3BaKYGAi7bFLS4dPImZ57HNAFvy5A5U/s1600/IMG_20160807_180321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4pMrrzkmU4pnJLT7c9waZCzOrbqappHhGOQyf_8TNhtNjBmQ54YWeq5r2Sy7fQt_Q-nzlRlnz5Btre3gVfmsYS8FwiqjdJfP7bX4tWJ4w08Kk3BaKYGAi7bFLS4dPImZ57HNAFvy5A5U/s400/IMG_20160807_180321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A while back one of my co-workers posted on Facebook that she was so proud, because she had made and frozen enough crockpot meals to last the whole month. Needless to say I was a bit jealous, and was certainly eager to try out the idea for myself! So, I found a weekend and made a couple of test meals.The recipes I used came from <a href="http://helloglow.co/slow-cooker-freezer-meals/">hello glow</a>. I made the Beef and Vegetable Stew, and the Sausage Lentil Soup. There are stacks of free recipes online, as well as cookbooks to be purchased.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcAu-A-k0KzAxLDPy53vfpupi9y5W3F06ra-LcOdVf_PnI_u_j6HYRP8r5Ngg5iqHSyt-4h7mAq1BPLPRN9ZZjGzBqm52pE9wk8nZbufYjhyerF1kWx5rz5Iwv3DK90osw_CovhGCvbVS/s1600/DSCF2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwcAu-A-k0KzAxLDPy53vfpupi9y5W3F06ra-LcOdVf_PnI_u_j6HYRP8r5Ngg5iqHSyt-4h7mAq1BPLPRN9ZZjGzBqm52pE9wk8nZbufYjhyerF1kWx5rz5Iwv3DK90osw_CovhGCvbVS/s320/DSCF2891.JPG" width="213" /></a>The first thing you should do is to write the name and instructions for the meal on the outside of a gallon-sized zip top bag. That way, if you are making more than one meal at a time you won't be confused as to what goes where.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR4hu3o__zxd_ld5RkVNHKbmTEg7jmRqCoPaC5oYiTHM7YsM4Zb9RYb1eWiNHy4wSsQQA1UFE8LpM5mxCy-PG5zWBJtRlNFnwWcbSCv_N8EXW86VudnOYmVE_MJiHpl2-5L4E1gGviGrl/s1600/DSCF2894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrR4hu3o__zxd_ld5RkVNHKbmTEg7jmRqCoPaC5oYiTHM7YsM4Zb9RYb1eWiNHy4wSsQQA1UFE8LpM5mxCy-PG5zWBJtRlNFnwWcbSCv_N8EXW86VudnOYmVE_MJiHpl2-5L4E1gGviGrl/s320/DSCF2894.JPG" width="213" /></a>Open your zip top bag an insert it into a container of some sort. A canister or a pitcher would work best, just so that the bag will stand up while you fill it. It also helps if you fold the top over the edge of the container, so that the bag doesn't fall down into it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmYgo1-pED55oT2vOLY2mQZgeRAi2yMwNwrADY__Mmkeu1ipU_QB_zasfTPI5uOu7QziwDS2usC6OJBVHTrlfJaBCc70ZYtYIxxP_OK0lgA6udTlR5tFDUpUyxLe85bCLoXF7sUec96Ff/s1600/DSCF2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilmYgo1-pED55oT2vOLY2mQZgeRAi2yMwNwrADY__Mmkeu1ipU_QB_zasfTPI5uOu7QziwDS2usC6OJBVHTrlfJaBCc70ZYtYIxxP_OK0lgA6udTlR5tFDUpUyxLe85bCLoXF7sUec96Ff/s320/DSCF2898.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Start prepping your veggies. If you have a mandolin slicer or a chopper it will make the process go by much faster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0b8VaEelCn7xS49OXPXjBl6dFsPzVkrh1GU2UYp0kIrDos8X67U5fH0TRUrrjvmuRuCD98QjzL_SJZbisuCQXH4O7zHHXZO4B8ZhgPNMUWvcVPiKYNgdhPV7rMjSIqQlW0V9McRQ9UxG/s1600/DSCF2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0b8VaEelCn7xS49OXPXjBl6dFsPzVkrh1GU2UYp0kIrDos8X67U5fH0TRUrrjvmuRuCD98QjzL_SJZbisuCQXH4O7zHHXZO4B8ZhgPNMUWvcVPiKYNgdhPV7rMjSIqQlW0V9McRQ9UxG/s320/DSCF2899.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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You may also need to trim, slice, or cube the meats you are using. For the sausage soup I sliced my keilbasa into bite-sized pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7NwK-PwMEwzMRYved-nyzdE2qrZYKSxACleIaaq2gJGQ1mfvzEt8seFdl6Zhm-D_CVFnaV-UgmhmlXwaZ-qJNgX4AIxNSZ0LANpT5jJ3NoK7EkaGTC-16MKUBbyDufnFGgWI7DyZ6X-2/s1600/DSCF2904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7NwK-PwMEwzMRYved-nyzdE2qrZYKSxACleIaaq2gJGQ1mfvzEt8seFdl6Zhm-D_CVFnaV-UgmhmlXwaZ-qJNgX4AIxNSZ0LANpT5jJ3NoK7EkaGTC-16MKUBbyDufnFGgWI7DyZ6X-2/s320/DSCF2904.JPG" width="213" /></a>There will also be recipes that will call for meats or other ingredients to be cooked before they go in the freezer bag. I cooked my onion and browned up the sausage a bit, then let it all cool to room temperature before putting it in the bag.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxSsxg1g6gRE7y-4QmO8Um43a87znE8paxn9FQs7yNLaI8I7kmAnOaVl3m0TbvMgtn7IM4iJeY_zZNAnoaPDPemh1KmMorodUdHaNZbi6rqYWe_36M3t6hPC4IutJzhHh5fn-a9W1b9M4/s1600/DSCF2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxSsxg1g6gRE7y-4QmO8Um43a87znE8paxn9FQs7yNLaI8I7kmAnOaVl3m0TbvMgtn7IM4iJeY_zZNAnoaPDPemh1KmMorodUdHaNZbi6rqYWe_36M3t6hPC4IutJzhHh5fn-a9W1b9M4/s320/DSCF2907.JPG" width="320" /></a>While my onions and meat were cooling I began assembling the rest of the ingredients. All the chopped veggies went in, as well as a can of tomatoes. I sorted out my lentils (and found a rock!) and added those too.<br />
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Once all the ingredients are in the bag, squeeze out as much air as possible and seal. You can lay the bag flat to freeze, then it is easier to stack them once they are frozen. Most recipes will call for you to remove the meal from the freezer the night before, and place it in the refrigerator to thaw. When you are ready to cook it up, just empty the contents into the slow cooker and add in the liquid. The best part about a crockpot meal is that you can put it on to cook while you do other things. So, go to work, run errands, clean the house, visit your granny, whatever is on your agenda for the day, and your meal will cook without you!<br />
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Here are some links to more slow cooker freezer meal recipes:</h4>
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<a href="http://www.sidetrackedsarah.com/freezer-to-slow-cooker/">Side Tracked Sarah</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2015/08/31-crockpot-freezer-meals-for-busy-weeknights/">Thirty Handmade Days</a></div>
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<a href="http://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/recipes/10-delicious-slow-cooker-freezer-meals-that-are-perfect-for-weeknights/">The Krazy Coupon Lady</a></div>
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<a href="http://crockpotladies.com/10-easy-crock-pot-freezer-meals/">Crock-Pot Ladies</a></div>
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<a href="http://newleafwellness.biz/2015/05/27/31-healthy-crockpot-freezer-meals/">New Leaf Wellness</a></div>
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Have fun! Happy crock-potting!</h4>
Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-36491888919737849892016-07-28T00:00:00.000-06:002016-07-28T00:00:22.919-06:00Make it Yourself - Ant Bait<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzjPaOE6r7oNpxJXH441c1U850QdtFxwl1WCEBbkblB87QThiF6n6DWQjevd8N4yfNl0Kh94nZuOcbIX1pAXm5YKw_e0kJAb_skcPZq70GHD6fq4RMNG30bnyCnfc4Fy4an0PcP-YUxfu/s1600/DSCF2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzjPaOE6r7oNpxJXH441c1U850QdtFxwl1WCEBbkblB87QThiF6n6DWQjevd8N4yfNl0Kh94nZuOcbIX1pAXm5YKw_e0kJAb_skcPZq70GHD6fq4RMNG30bnyCnfc4Fy4an0PcP-YUxfu/s320/DSCF2866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPBtNq5rYzZvRRN8RTX1EAmAaIWNQ24vMFF_A31FYwzZOvdvkZaOJWMWcJ2kAae75yMv897PF64dH-rzcyn9i7mOhWrLVamMl6BDiU0_JC3RhbqWKsncsN77-TNj3ddZk6P4-GSWQGNvD/s1600/DSCF2873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPBtNq5rYzZvRRN8RTX1EAmAaIWNQ24vMFF_A31FYwzZOvdvkZaOJWMWcJ2kAae75yMv897PF64dH-rzcyn9i7mOhWrLVamMl6BDiU0_JC3RhbqWKsncsN77-TNj3ddZk6P4-GSWQGNvD/s320/DSCF2873.JPG" width="213" /></a>As they days grew hotter this year, we began to see more and more ants in the house. Every time we would kill a group, another would eventually turn up. Finally, they invaded Willie's computer room, and enough was enough. He did some research on how to kill the whole colony. Lo and behold, we had the stuff we needed in the house already!</div>
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Here's what you'll need for your ant bait stations:<br />
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It's pretty easy to do, Mix 1 part Borax to 3 parts powdered sugar. Dispense into bottle caps. Place bottle caps in an area frequented by ants.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d_sfnfMWr0G6jjacDKRjCGXXm_0oN3NyUo-iEHZgtMEhtBahxStELdDsszphRYRjhdcC1cMAPWvl7oPrhmds04rBMOTUONyQPHSNZB0CGd29tMYFSKs6vlo4hm5gqrJRRtanYy3wW8c1/s1600/20160620_074159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7d_sfnfMWr0G6jjacDKRjCGXXm_0oN3NyUo-iEHZgtMEhtBahxStELdDsszphRYRjhdcC1cMAPWvl7oPrhmds04rBMOTUONyQPHSNZB0CGd29tMYFSKs6vlo4hm5gqrJRRtanYy3wW8c1/s320/20160620_074159.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's best to put these bait stations someplace outside, or in the garage or a shed. Try to choose an area that is somewhat sheltered, with a windbreak. It will also help bring the little guys out during the day if the location of the bait stations is shaded. That way you can tell how many are taking the bait home! *insert evil laugh here*</div>
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The idea behind this method is that the ants won't be able to tell the sugar from the Borax. They will take it all home to the colony, and the entire colony will ingest the Borax. This will cause them to be unable to absorb water, and they will eventually die.</div>
Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-68029733709012031792016-06-09T00:00:00.000-06:002016-06-09T06:48:43.230-06:00Can the Sales!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Often times when the subject of canning comes up, the common response I get is that the person I'm talking to doesn't have a garden, so they don't can. The thing about it is, though, you don't necessarily need a garden! Most grocery stores have their weekly ads available online, so why not check out what's on sale and can that? As we have learned in my previous post <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/08/food-preservation-what-to-can.html">What to Can</a>, there are a great number of items that can be preserved by canning.<br />
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For example, my local grocery stores have the following "cannable" items on sale this week:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_5uF1KO6f1aRiFks1cv52FyzR9saqjnd-rDal2exvl-2k5sbeQhsdEleBMK_tAC5ALJDS7D1LYYhT9_jHi8EGTifPNkU9vL1-J9IIDvjUnSthh3G8WQlKZO8BNyFI9A-zMrKtzFKp14F/s1600/20160329_144045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_5uF1KO6f1aRiFks1cv52FyzR9saqjnd-rDal2exvl-2k5sbeQhsdEleBMK_tAC5ALJDS7D1LYYhT9_jHi8EGTifPNkU9vL1-J9IIDvjUnSthh3G8WQlKZO8BNyFI9A-zMrKtzFKp14F/s320/20160329_144045.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Beef Roast (Rump)</h4>
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I realize that this first one is a little bit of a strange one, but canned meat is fantastic! One of my nursing home residents told me that her husband used to go hunting every year, and a portion of what he shot got canned. Later on, after his health had declined a bit and he was no longer able to go hunting, she would scan the ads to find meat that was on sale, and can it. Grandma always canned a portion of the game that grandpa shot, too. I thought it was a great way to preserve your meat, and it is super easy to use. Some of the best loose meat sandwiches I've ever had came from home-canned meat! Here are some instructions on <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2015/01/canning-meat.html">canning meat.</a><br />
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Roma Tomatoes</h4>
Since Roma tomatoes are a paste tomato, it stands to reason that they would be made into tomato paste. <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-tomato-paste-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-206853">Click here</a> for an easy tomato paste recipe that includes canning instructions.<br />
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Grapes</h4>
Grapes are nice because you can juice them and <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/grapejuice.htm">can the juice</a>, or you can make <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/grape-jelly-61514">grape jelly</a>. You could even mash them up to make wine, but then you would need to bottle it, not can it. Besides, that's another blog post in itself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm44hQCZwEjZEqms2mrCNzG13x8ycRL_GCpLQ_ptndem87lfWy3IE2ISk1K-E-A4O8lWFul6Nf1zM6z4B7xnbEuznMORdXY6MMoc3HUkfHiajwmYAh7gzJgJRxXrZoK_y02yzs-B1J1kI/s1600/20160327_134954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDm44hQCZwEjZEqms2mrCNzG13x8ycRL_GCpLQ_ptndem87lfWy3IE2ISk1K-E-A4O8lWFul6Nf1zM6z4B7xnbEuznMORdXY6MMoc3HUkfHiajwmYAh7gzJgJRxXrZoK_y02yzs-B1J1kI/s320/20160327_134954.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Peaches or Nectarines</h4>
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In my family someone always had a peach tree, so there were always peaches to be canned in the fall or winter. While the obvious choice would be to preserve <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/raw-pack-peaches-in-light-syrup-233139">peach slices in a light syrup</a>, you could also make them into<a href="http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2013/08/easy-peach-jam/"> jam</a>, <a href="http://pickyourown.org/plumjelly.htm">jelly</a>, or <a href="http://www.chocolatemoosey.com/2013/08/06/homemade-peach-pie-filling/">pie filling</a>, and can that. Nectarines can also be used in place of Peaches, since the only difference between the two is that nectarines lack the fuzz that peaches have.<br />
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Plums</h4>
I had never considered it before, but you can make plums into<a href="http://pickyourown.org/plumjelly.htm"> jelly</a> or <a href="http://natashaskitchen.com/2012/10/07/plum-jam-recipe-no-peel-no-pectin/">jam</a>. Although I've never tried it, I think it would be an option worth exploring!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hz4xFPn6IAePKUA0BGGO1HBTcnoMgXIzWViDzM_PF9uKRjirWjDttDZQH0qHZFPuIeCmWs2jS8S-dKkUVn3a2PwLAq9n_aD7udChufBeHb9CZ7cMWCQSt0vu68v9kwaZQEOZOiDZXVu6/s1600/20160327_135039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Hz4xFPn6IAePKUA0BGGO1HBTcnoMgXIzWViDzM_PF9uKRjirWjDttDZQH0qHZFPuIeCmWs2jS8S-dKkUVn3a2PwLAq9n_aD7udChufBeHb9CZ7cMWCQSt0vu68v9kwaZQEOZOiDZXVu6/s320/20160327_135039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Asparagus</h4>
Asparagus is an fairly easy vegetable to can. If you have tall, thin jars you can preserve the spears whole, if not, you can just as easily snap them and preserve them in another type of jar. All you need to can asparagus is a little salt and some water, but if you're feeling daring you could always pickle it! Either way, the instructions are <a href="http://midshorelife.com/blog/jr/how-can-asparagus">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1OqnkCf58xzb7LPHqCK4mMLrJoYKckA1MwLCKXElwfRRDAYstjhgvPXWy1OJWXvdymIyNjy4kxIyExNtb2qOuJErYBw8f7Q_Xy77_5UqujqsEHRcERSRIz8vKHHirWrSGwgEhPYqIetP/s1600/20160327_134814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1OqnkCf58xzb7LPHqCK4mMLrJoYKckA1MwLCKXElwfRRDAYstjhgvPXWy1OJWXvdymIyNjy4kxIyExNtb2qOuJErYBw8f7Q_Xy77_5UqujqsEHRcERSRIz8vKHHirWrSGwgEhPYqIetP/s320/20160327_134814.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Pineapple</h4>
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Although I had never considered it before, I came up with the idea that one might be able to can pineapple at home several months back, and I spent an entire workday obsessing about the idea. When I got home I finally had the opportunity to research the subject, and was quite satisfied at how easy it is to <a href="https://youtu.be/y48BQetYpy4">can pineapple</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05U_xaNulF_TLeW3Qe-xQMS_vDtqvNJLuB3qYZv8AyndGAXBp8G-YhYlVi_pVZPp9__MEDp9icJc7aBDcsJy0BvdBCCEzFWxlhFxVIGhEZHC5owcT0iaTdpf5gpU27YIWK1mC9885tMlT/s1600/20160327_135124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05U_xaNulF_TLeW3Qe-xQMS_vDtqvNJLuB3qYZv8AyndGAXBp8G-YhYlVi_pVZPp9__MEDp9icJc7aBDcsJy0BvdBCCEzFWxlhFxVIGhEZHC5owcT0iaTdpf5gpU27YIWK1mC9885tMlT/s320/20160327_135124.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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Carrots</h4>
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You can either <a href="http://www.simplycanning.com/canning-carrots.html">can your carrots</a> on their own, or you can use them to compliment other items, such as <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pickled_jalapenos_escabeche/">pickled jalapenos</a>. Likewise, you can <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/03/dilly-pickled-carrots-recipe.html">pickle carrots</a> and can them.<br />
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Apples</h3>
I love apples because there's just so much you can do with them! The top "cannable" items to be make with apples are, for me, <a href="https://youtu.be/D-ExeXveuVo">apple jelly</a>, <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-apple-butter-143307">apple butter</a>, <a href="http://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2013/09/06/the-secrets-to-canning-apple-sauce-recipe-of-the-week/">apple sauce</a> and <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Apple-Pie-Filling-canning-recipie/">apple pie filling</a>.<br />
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Don't forget! If you have any questions about <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/06/food-preservation-canning-equipment.html">canning equipment</a>, <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/08/canning-dill-pickle-relish.html">boiling water canning</a>, or <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/07/food-preservation-basics-of-canning.html">pressure canning</a>, I've got info to help you! Please note that the boiling water canning link sends you to a recipe, but at the bottom of that recipe is boiling water canning instructions.</h4>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-64338495049712646372016-06-02T00:00:00.000-06:002016-06-02T00:00:05.853-06:00Cotton Ball Fire Starters<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI-BxyuiTMzIA8FW9ulXqkslpNvfFG2uVjxKU0ahDPapFDr7ALg2LDFb-ENlV5fyhfpdqLS_XHrFE7mD_F_oOvk_mejy43OBXl_ptYNT7d8vIBLyhbJE-u4LShcnR75ZXHzW-u1MPIlPU/s1600/DSCF2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsI-BxyuiTMzIA8FW9ulXqkslpNvfFG2uVjxKU0ahDPapFDr7ALg2LDFb-ENlV5fyhfpdqLS_XHrFE7mD_F_oOvk_mejy43OBXl_ptYNT7d8vIBLyhbJE-u4LShcnR75ZXHzW-u1MPIlPU/s400/DSCF2847.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I've already taught you how to make egg carton fire starters to get your campfires started, but suppose you don't have any with you. Now what? Not to fear! I will teach you how to build a fire using another means!<br />
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I was trying to decide if I should make my fire "from scratch" or demonstrate one of my methods of fire-starting from my <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/09/packing-day-pack.html">day pack</a>. I chose the latter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bYgBWfiLMGJc75Pf1quAF6nI8nDzzqaWhOvIEZQgwWHtBDzAB9JbbtlwFA76-NcsmakOQkbpCXEezPtcAGkwwFRleVI8C84K0mwxMZoJIKM3T-0dwZrI6Gk7GiwHvOBfnyTy9KECM7Al/s1600/DSCF1769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bYgBWfiLMGJc75Pf1quAF6nI8nDzzqaWhOvIEZQgwWHtBDzAB9JbbtlwFA76-NcsmakOQkbpCXEezPtcAGkwwFRleVI8C84K0mwxMZoJIKM3T-0dwZrI6Gk7GiwHvOBfnyTy9KECM7Al/s320/DSCF1769.JPG" width="320" /></a>Here's what you'll need to make your little cotton ball fire starters:<br />
Cotton Balls<br />
Petroleum Jelly<br />
Zip-top Bag<br />
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Put a few handfuls of cotton balls into the zip-top bag, add a dallop of the jelly, seal, and knead until the cotton balls are coated. If they don't quite all get a dose of the jelly, just add a bit more and knead again. So easy! Now you can put them in your <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/09/packing-day-pack.html">day pack</a>, along with your steel wool, magnesium bar, and sparker.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1_bMKLD2qZvJ38Myi5mnpGSeC1xYa4cJbIHvtl2zCcBhvbBFm8mvIsJPEcNm-v33Sede62UgwYWv0wFPuEXUwIGaSnDn4UcZKD-VjUUIwQgJLiLmElsLwo59clvowrkXpOhTFW_8fAHM/s1600/DSCF2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1_bMKLD2qZvJ38Myi5mnpGSeC1xYa4cJbIHvtl2zCcBhvbBFm8mvIsJPEcNm-v33Sede62UgwYWv0wFPuEXUwIGaSnDn4UcZKD-VjUUIwQgJLiLmElsLwo59clvowrkXpOhTFW_8fAHM/s320/DSCF2836.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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So, I set up my fire pit with some chunks of wood we wanted to get rid of. On top of that I placed some pine cones. Small, rough items such as pine cones or bits of bark with allow your flame to "catch hold" and grow. Typically you would start with very thin, papery items such as dry grass, moss, papery or fiberous bark, or thin wood shavings. Since our cotton balls are taking its place, we won't need papery items, just something for the flame to hold onto.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRw9hWn_Fll9nV2iC1PjO89MU3fyfJV55Yji-8etlAmPji6rVpBKWoza7RVCRs7kx1rKu_E8TqjXlgy9p83XE3Edu5lHcek5JOuvPRoEoSLNB01Wkt6c5OE9hzSvDHLWwng9_ppZ7YqEk/s1600/DSCF2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRw9hWn_Fll9nV2iC1PjO89MU3fyfJV55Yji-8etlAmPji6rVpBKWoza7RVCRs7kx1rKu_E8TqjXlgy9p83XE3Edu5lHcek5JOuvPRoEoSLNB01Wkt6c5OE9hzSvDHLWwng9_ppZ7YqEk/s320/DSCF2839.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Take a few of your greasy little cotton balls and spread them open a bit. The spark will ignite the dry cotton you've uncovered by spreading it open, and the petroleum jelly-covered parts will act as a torch to keep the flame burning long enough for you to add kindling.</div>
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I attempted to use my sparker to ignite the flame, but I was using the notched edges on the side, which didn't throw off a very big spark. Willie took over and used the flat edge at the top to produce a spark large enough to start the fire. </div>
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Check out the video to see how easily these little fire starters ignited!</div>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-50664440628829419762016-05-26T00:00:00.000-06:002016-05-26T00:00:15.151-06:00Make It Yourself - Taco Seasoning<div dir="ltr">
I've had this recipe for quite a while, although it is not mine. This one was written by Bill Echols and can be found on <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/46653/taco-seasoning-i/">allrecipes</a>. Please be sure to visit the original recipe and give it a 5-star rating! I looked it up one day when I discovered that I was out of taco seasoning. I had also discovered that I didn't want to drive into town to get more. Luckily enough, we always have a well stocked spice cabinet. Not only do I want to teach you how to make this delightful concoction, but how to use it as well!<br />
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Recipe:<br />
1Tbsp Chili Powder<br />
1/4 tsp Garlic Powder<br />
1/4 tsp Onion Powder<br />
1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes<br />
1/4 tsp Dried Oregano<br />
1/2 tsp Paprika<br />
1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin<br />
1 tsp Sea Salt<br />
1 tsp Black Pepper<br />
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Just combine your ingredients in a bowl. Store in an airtight container if you are saving it for later. I typically use the whole batch when I cook, but you could cut it in half if your family likes a milder taco meat.<br />
So, to use this with ground beef (or turkey, if you desire,) brown the meat in a skillet, and drain if it is greasy. Add the seasoning (whole or half, whichever you prefer) and 3/4 c water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the water is gone.<br />
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Alternately you can use taco seasoning to make shredded chicken for tacos, quesadillas, or flautas. You can either simmer on the stove, or put it in your crock pot. Take 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them in the bottom of a sauce pan or pot. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover almost completely. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over top. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about an hour. If you are using your crock pot, do the very same thing, but set to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. I like to start it before I go to work so I can shred it when I get home. You can use frozen breasts or thawed, either way it should work out fine.<br />
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There you are! Happy taco-ing!</h3>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-44134941733693323382016-05-19T00:00:00.000-06:002016-05-19T07:26:07.117-06:00Seed Paper<div dir="ltr">
For a while now I have been thinking about dandelions as a food source. They are hardy, easy to grow, and nearly the entire plant is edible. I've already published a post about <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2015/03/if-you-can-beat-them-eat-them.html">eating dandelions</a> as a salad. The thing I've been trying to figure out is what the best way to cultivate them might be. Their wispy little seeds do a fine job of spreading the plants far and wide, but what if you are looking to plant them all in one spot? What if you want them evenly dispersed over a specific patch of dirt? I found my solution the other day while exploring the <a href="http://www.firefliesandmudpies.com/2014/05/18/recycled-paper-seed-cards/">Fireflies and Mud Pies</a> website: seed paper! This way the dandelion seeds should all be stuck in a biodegradable sheet, and would stay wherever you plant them. Genius! In addition to dandelions, you could make this paper for any type of flower with wispy little seeds. I really enjoy Western Salsify plants, so I could make some seed paper to plant them in my flower garden. Likewise, you could make it with sowthistle or prickly lettuce seeds. Both sowthistle and prickly lettuce are, like dandelions, edible greens, and make good animal fodder.<br />
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Here's what you'll need for the project:<br />
Wispy Seeds<br />
Scrap Paper (Junk Mail, Newspaper, etc)<br />
A Food Processor or Blender<br />
Cheesecloth or a Flour Sack Dish Towel<br />
An Embroidery Hoop<br />
A Bowl of Similar Size to the Embroidery Hoop<br />
Water<br />
A Rubber Spatula<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjpRKQU4iRO8CMi7cY9hGwrEePJZFsmmiO5QooWzUX8tNQtmdul0QTF2rJ6rjyvRp1ztEmIM3LRZmtLWrC9beL_wC6XiHbWkltvMaUzkqgm7spRblHjDmbLZWDzumpnd2xrImneh_unl1/s1600/DSCF2101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjpRKQU4iRO8CMi7cY9hGwrEePJZFsmmiO5QooWzUX8tNQtmdul0QTF2rJ6rjyvRp1ztEmIM3LRZmtLWrC9beL_wC6XiHbWkltvMaUzkqgm7spRblHjDmbLZWDzumpnd2xrImneh_unl1/s320/DSCF2101.JPG" width="320" /></a>First, use your embroidery hoop and cheesecloth (or dishtowel) and make a sieve for forming your paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQELxlx2LEysB-KjLfQMA_BTPIqLoL5QT6LrFK0EPfsxn9gHH8Jcs5HIol3PqkVMipAqDbKdeE_rytin1zxQ_x7g43iMB-6F21yjNtOW_dHpwsoRXNpI68xNhbeoiA8KEHoRgD_DIFjVJg/s1600/DSCF2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQELxlx2LEysB-KjLfQMA_BTPIqLoL5QT6LrFK0EPfsxn9gHH8Jcs5HIol3PqkVMipAqDbKdeE_rytin1zxQ_x7g43iMB-6F21yjNtOW_dHpwsoRXNpI68xNhbeoiA8KEHoRgD_DIFjVJg/s320/DSCF2102.JPG" width="320" /></a>Locate a bowl or dish of similar size to your embroidery hoop. This will catch the water as it drains off of your wet paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2rwpS2XkMy0agD_PymjK3W3UtKqgHpt7mLCWJJW7jxHGjtZWWgjhNbEflO4pGmIqg9mO_j-NkMEbQ8FzC0JL61XpVTrIWkLrVrFlSGIHepviDmeDQwfzUTk3dTfF2bplc9eQQqLvpvYK/s1600/DSCF2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2rwpS2XkMy0agD_PymjK3W3UtKqgHpt7mLCWJJW7jxHGjtZWWgjhNbEflO4pGmIqg9mO_j-NkMEbQ8FzC0JL61XpVTrIWkLrVrFlSGIHepviDmeDQwfzUTk3dTfF2bplc9eQQqLvpvYK/s320/DSCF2103.JPG" width="213" /></a>Either a food processor or a blender will work for this project. Don't worry about ruining your equipment, as paper breaks down easily in the water and will wash out easily if you clean it right away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnT1dJjipYmtxcBnEfNByrbR8te0b7R0sE8bgzh1dr1AgzaSJoFTYaHyB3Ow4jHbkZJzHNb2Szyuuh4QAzpejTjBXWRR99iWhwFGyrFi12qckPr0JP6jAeb0ziGNt4MioXYWxM8j8FT9d/s1600/DSCF2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnT1dJjipYmtxcBnEfNByrbR8te0b7R0sE8bgzh1dr1AgzaSJoFTYaHyB3Ow4jHbkZJzHNb2Szyuuh4QAzpejTjBXWRR99iWhwFGyrFi12qckPr0JP6jAeb0ziGNt4MioXYWxM8j8FT9d/s320/DSCF2104.JPG" width="320" /></a>I used prickly lettuce seeds for this demonstration, but any sort of wispy seed will do. Dandelions or sowthistle if you're growing for animal fodder, Western Salsify, Marigolds, Daisies, or Black-Eyed Susans if you're growing for a flower bed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYL97vVDFq_Xcp5p82WN53zUHDY6iAgGt6OxM7ZAlPIx15WJ4JDVCRnzWlwmejMNBRoXb6UOh1TZ1CCK7icxUNwEkzK0YKFUuHnt_K5D98ELXT4VcxK5mywe1UNtH4NlDwgIYLJXeLF3Q/s1600/DSCF2105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtYL97vVDFq_Xcp5p82WN53zUHDY6iAgGt6OxM7ZAlPIx15WJ4JDVCRnzWlwmejMNBRoXb6UOh1TZ1CCK7icxUNwEkzK0YKFUuHnt_K5D98ELXT4VcxK5mywe1UNtH4NlDwgIYLJXeLF3Q/s320/DSCF2105.JPG" width="320" /></a>Just look to your "to be shredded" bin for paper to recycle! Remember that junk mail or newspaper can be used, but avoid paper with a waxy coating or receipt paper. Regular old dull paper will break down easier in the blender, as well as in the ground.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK3TyK7o0srvVb5dqTSAxiHOSNUEm-oqPzDJ2l7V_QdR7pp3ij-UTDZSrB679gw5Wo77O5APiojHxLN-DiAzI3YzT0yu0m8JiiMsgokM5XvvBh4lzypT4i_U06wwOU6fPNmCqbxaG0rLE/s1600/DSCF2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK3TyK7o0srvVb5dqTSAxiHOSNUEm-oqPzDJ2l7V_QdR7pp3ij-UTDZSrB679gw5Wo77O5APiojHxLN-DiAzI3YzT0yu0m8JiiMsgokM5XvvBh4lzypT4i_U06wwOU6fPNmCqbxaG0rLE/s320/DSCF2417.JPG" width="320" /></a>Tear the paper into small pieces before adding to the blender.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw765OgykHtrbtEMrHGx_lkDRbHn1x1fiTK2Hotv5e8c1Qlo_QOKjSWURwdANkcQ_eLjFOrx8FU4tihopfhe8hRLbGYcyn73foSqcCZyPOcCIF8FJRNzH_pxTTiCG8HiIxZEO212No_udP/s1600/DSCF2423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw765OgykHtrbtEMrHGx_lkDRbHn1x1fiTK2Hotv5e8c1Qlo_QOKjSWURwdANkcQ_eLjFOrx8FU4tihopfhe8hRLbGYcyn73foSqcCZyPOcCIF8FJRNzH_pxTTiCG8HiIxZEO212No_udP/s320/DSCF2423.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Add water and begin to process. Continue adding water until the paper is broken down into a pulpy paste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1kQ3OBKwcw14SmcLjHADYehuUG2yBNkFgl2Ya4FJ9xtywCKbU94f9btAbd32p0oxjAxIAWU-6bH3tiJkCVsIclhaNj-a3ACiynOCwOcjlQg1QzPearqMZTJfCVgTOAcd_AsNRVYimsKi/s1600/DSCF2425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1kQ3OBKwcw14SmcLjHADYehuUG2yBNkFgl2Ya4FJ9xtywCKbU94f9btAbd32p0oxjAxIAWU-6bH3tiJkCVsIclhaNj-a3ACiynOCwOcjlQg1QzPearqMZTJfCVgTOAcd_AsNRVYimsKi/s320/DSCF2425.JPG" width="320" /></a>Place your embroidery hoop sieve over top of your bowl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyin75h2iD6vi_H5kSf7vHGkCSbl3mb8iVCZnYUwZ87fx-TOmmZLWtPhpXObchz5EkUShqt-tHmCsNGywMVro8PIh9M7JEVXZiAia8eHnmdE8i64rGo1J8InAayz6-JVSz7M8OV1T61vm/s1600/DSCF2429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyin75h2iD6vi_H5kSf7vHGkCSbl3mb8iVCZnYUwZ87fx-TOmmZLWtPhpXObchz5EkUShqt-tHmCsNGywMVro8PIh9M7JEVXZiAia8eHnmdE8i64rGo1J8InAayz6-JVSz7M8OV1T61vm/s320/DSCF2429.JPG" width="213" /></a>Spread about half of the paper pulp onto the "sieve." You might need to tighten your dishcloth or cheesecloth at this point, as it will likely sag under the weight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9woE7kAScZqUGdKPbQOGsVMzzFmb1IVTG1-5dN09LBUjVvIUXa9zJMgD4cJhK2-to9sIEGEUgQmD0H3dHMyQlYrCnt8XIMATOFVd_bt90ETPfMw8x6kFoNgPfGv6Zdam_io4zog4hI_LU/s1600/DSCF2435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9woE7kAScZqUGdKPbQOGsVMzzFmb1IVTG1-5dN09LBUjVvIUXa9zJMgD4cJhK2-to9sIEGEUgQmD0H3dHMyQlYrCnt8XIMATOFVd_bt90ETPfMw8x6kFoNgPfGv6Zdam_io4zog4hI_LU/s320/DSCF2435.JPG" width="320" /></a>Sprinkle your seeds evenly over the top of the paper paste.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtNBp-SsPsghezlVfE_lCep9PrfpI66cDRAhHtZkcFYGAfl5r75qsybeJK61PYNT-DlCJ6juxlTcTr6nL9lJBG8BbCgFJqXpt64X1yQ3_YM2ArP10h_YEdp6ttN2TR7tF1EPcIU-bixVX/s1600/DSCF2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNtNBp-SsPsghezlVfE_lCep9PrfpI66cDRAhHtZkcFYGAfl5r75qsybeJK61PYNT-DlCJ6juxlTcTr6nL9lJBG8BbCgFJqXpt64X1yQ3_YM2ArP10h_YEdp6ttN2TR7tF1EPcIU-bixVX/s320/DSCF2437.JPG" width="320" /></a>Use the remaining paper paste to cover over your seeds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu02pWGth8Ock7hTKziWUfCBII9zSgA-puF-3DdrfXvfz8QnvmZwdVF7kHdoYOrtNvKOxjgcuSc7EyPhsuM5-WuxfFvHD0zaAiJ8M_GPdNz3ImJtsMyftwsaQt_Iy2zLyEWoeDAaDTo_I/s1600/DSCF2441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdu02pWGth8Ock7hTKziWUfCBII9zSgA-puF-3DdrfXvfz8QnvmZwdVF7kHdoYOrtNvKOxjgcuSc7EyPhsuM5-WuxfFvHD0zaAiJ8M_GPdNz3ImJtsMyftwsaQt_Iy2zLyEWoeDAaDTo_I/s320/DSCF2441.JPG" width="320" /></a>Allow the seed paper to drain until it is dry to the touch, then move it to a warm area to continue drying. I put mine on top of my clothes dryer for a few days. Once it is completely dry you can store it in an envelope or zip top bag until you are ready to plant! When you are ready to plant, just put it where you want your plants to grow and cover over with soil. As you water, the paper will break down and allow the seeds to germinate.<br />
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-81736993744594744802016-05-12T00:00:00.000-06:002016-05-12T00:00:02.203-06:00Wax Paper Stained Glass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Often times when I tell people about my recollections from childhood they are astonished at just what I remember. This is the case with Wax Paper Stained Glass. When I was in kindergarten my family lived in Evanston, Wyoming. The school I attended was large, and had a lot of interesting programs and activities. We always had good crafts and projects in my class, and as near as I can remember, this was one of them. I've been meaning for quite some time to recreate this childhood activity, so here's how I did it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ybrkJJ_mmkqAlb9gikUTpe4BqqgQEC3u7ehbRT5Z5ZBVykNUhrS6DtwN9vLsOwsdKOHKMzr6fvZeKtFQzsIfVgv18pnvkoNpIGKWhjr3ikXlmBzaXTosfipHQSqxl8-Zg4RciGrTufE/s1600/DSCF2804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt5ybrkJJ_mmkqAlb9gikUTpe4BqqgQEC3u7ehbRT5Z5ZBVykNUhrS6DtwN9vLsOwsdKOHKMzr6fvZeKtFQzsIfVgv18pnvkoNpIGKWhjr3ikXlmBzaXTosfipHQSqxl8-Zg4RciGrTufE/s320/DSCF2804.JPG" width="320" /></a>First things first, I gathered my tools and materials together. I found my used crayons and vegetable peeler at the thrift shop. I also brought a paper plate, wax paper, construction paper, an iron, and some patterned scissors into the equation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17qTgfA72c2Gfuo38rDAN6zYijy36IrhX3CjkqoP9-RR3XqAWUc4FM2tuD1OfjpEguYuy5S76lae7ozBSc6-5V6P1GUXeuskRrhgwJ4ptiFru09aMhxg40_zJudGrBF7lIyHjsI3XkBr8/s1600/DSCF2808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17qTgfA72c2Gfuo38rDAN6zYijy36IrhX3CjkqoP9-RR3XqAWUc4FM2tuD1OfjpEguYuy5S76lae7ozBSc6-5V6P1GUXeuskRrhgwJ4ptiFru09aMhxg40_zJudGrBF7lIyHjsI3XkBr8/s320/DSCF2808.JPG" width="320" /></a>Your first step will be to select the colors for your stained glass, and peel back the wrappers a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BWl1O0iPjGAWqPiHEc4kxhVet9j50eFdzb0QfRHIuAr3GeKUDeg_0LAeJIx2Ku2xTiKMuh5RazijY1LQA0x3dbHd1hx4lU63QSHhIl6lqoZ2f1uYPTeDQKOWiV2oPiPa_7zuMWzCwxFR/s1600/DSCF2811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BWl1O0iPjGAWqPiHEc4kxhVet9j50eFdzb0QfRHIuAr3GeKUDeg_0LAeJIx2Ku2xTiKMuh5RazijY1LQA0x3dbHd1hx4lU63QSHhIl6lqoZ2f1uYPTeDQKOWiV2oPiPa_7zuMWzCwxFR/s320/DSCF2811.JPG" width="320" /></a>Cut some pieces of wax paper. Honestly, the bigger the pieces the easier it will be to make.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tOPmihqzyc3mRI3R3_CesFxdE7SWW38LsGA8loX_7H7NJVYr95-0DuAJ_6Naeo-MJnypCmc3FJWr2mkxkd1YNSWJjpC9Xvpa1H9OayQ1Y8iaq2yDVykaW829fsZu1YTxazLFD-0mrNLG/s1600/DSCF2813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tOPmihqzyc3mRI3R3_CesFxdE7SWW38LsGA8loX_7H7NJVYr95-0DuAJ_6Naeo-MJnypCmc3FJWr2mkxkd1YNSWJjpC9Xvpa1H9OayQ1Y8iaq2yDVykaW829fsZu1YTxazLFD-0mrNLG/s320/DSCF2813.JPG" width="320" /></a>If you are planning on making a large stained glass, or a lot of small ones, it might be beneficial to scrape off a lot of wax with your peeler, and collect it on a paper plate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03Mj4N-jfuJzoRTR1t4s2AMsMFG10-83ZV8-Si4VIFcMpl8bAUMyAm4ZjCVGWoEJ034ITv1zu05I5r2poTphhVfk-C8451wswwO0404BMe0Iv30Z8reOKwibZ9-c_NK2gLF9Nm2zMaPxK/s1600/DSCF2816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03Mj4N-jfuJzoRTR1t4s2AMsMFG10-83ZV8-Si4VIFcMpl8bAUMyAm4ZjCVGWoEJ034ITv1zu05I5r2poTphhVfk-C8451wswwO0404BMe0Iv30Z8reOKwibZ9-c_NK2gLF9Nm2zMaPxK/s320/DSCF2816.JPG" width="320" /></a>This was a big mistake. This is waaaay too much wax for this sized piece of wax paper. It escaped off of all the edges. It was a huge mess. Remember, a little goes a long way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxbpyShNVSXBMO20vp5ZilJelirdOOqk-2t_N1LCzBavyW5_NuVsYXEzf0yJrNDmEmOiYzjSpGtDnM3Nej5m-h7ItveqJtsloE75TX7gJfsxRYGcI_hWnRTWs4N_XDJc_hNpvX-7S1a1l/s1600/DSCF2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxbpyShNVSXBMO20vp5ZilJelirdOOqk-2t_N1LCzBavyW5_NuVsYXEzf0yJrNDmEmOiYzjSpGtDnM3Nej5m-h7ItveqJtsloE75TX7gJfsxRYGcI_hWnRTWs4N_XDJc_hNpvX-7S1a1l/s320/DSCF2821.JPG" width="320" /></a>Sprinkle just a little of your crayon shavings onto the wax paper and cover it with another wax paper.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh997KTsv2xLE05EMohYf30KTnS3rdcHza834Cf_TyrzmZkaPS9qAdPxSVVbUS5kr6rl-z1CLAEbNCOVNrBtZ53ZiC60YzPCFHkL4OhpBhgjq0zz567LPDW7VDhqtQCXGOAkqPxlWZ2ilVK/s1600/DSCF2819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh997KTsv2xLE05EMohYf30KTnS3rdcHza834Cf_TyrzmZkaPS9qAdPxSVVbUS5kr6rl-z1CLAEbNCOVNrBtZ53ZiC60YzPCFHkL4OhpBhgjq0zz567LPDW7VDhqtQCXGOAkqPxlWZ2ilVK/s320/DSCF2819.JPG" width="320" /></a>Cover your crayon/wax paper sandwich with a piece of fabric and set your iron to low.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGc-ShmUTs2VqwEBMlyYfS-zQz2age6AujQTetOVB8GXRI3bJTUkUQ_5O9ZalzbBxAIR3Lr6TptmU3gmtfwDBKpn1CyFXJNb5NVOW5DsFH3D8YHcA-4TgiRIXAx9Ip-tw6c6mXZ7cDaDv/s1600/DSCF2822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGc-ShmUTs2VqwEBMlyYfS-zQz2age6AujQTetOVB8GXRI3bJTUkUQ_5O9ZalzbBxAIR3Lr6TptmU3gmtfwDBKpn1CyFXJNb5NVOW5DsFH3D8YHcA-4TgiRIXAx9Ip-tw6c6mXZ7cDaDv/s320/DSCF2822.JPG" width="320" /></a>Iron until your wax is melted and spread all out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0H7D3ll2WsSgSLVPRJtz3ZRfP4s2sF6sxei6JI41iOt5t6PQapnwCRkoTBleIzRcflnCLfma1nhACxeZXzE0g5q2YW1q138nAFVqTL4YjKmba94Rt0H8b7W6m8OTxV-HT_b5kUXqn_kt/s1600/DSCF2824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif0H7D3ll2WsSgSLVPRJtz3ZRfP4s2sF6sxei6JI41iOt5t6PQapnwCRkoTBleIzRcflnCLfma1nhACxeZXzE0g5q2YW1q138nAFVqTL4YjKmba94Rt0H8b7W6m8OTxV-HT_b5kUXqn_kt/s320/DSCF2824.JPG" width="320" /></a>Take a piece of construction paper and measure out a frame. You will need a front and a back. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIVWYdV32XbuaYJnGfMcH-JD2nKqCtTrbxKkXjsurC-hFeK5YEtL-3WCjwUAHqqdjAtSuh_pF_p3KaryV0muuT4ESLCjGJnOAOFBk3vvL2Xk3DHvWVxxQb4YjkXyAvsBPUsdPa7i0PPBp/s1600/DSCF2825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIVWYdV32XbuaYJnGfMcH-JD2nKqCtTrbxKkXjsurC-hFeK5YEtL-3WCjwUAHqqdjAtSuh_pF_p3KaryV0muuT4ESLCjGJnOAOFBk3vvL2Xk3DHvWVxxQb4YjkXyAvsBPUsdPa7i0PPBp/s320/DSCF2825.JPG" width="320" /></a>Don't forget that you can trim your "art" to make it easier to frame if necessary. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KJe9te7SWD2YTy3QYT8jHmRY4qVlDhetiU5TPSOyuv7KrNJagJl1JYSUvBL2bzcw7kfhyphenhyphenK0Ewv216S3g03MlZptDBmZ46XFpdLnWiIOnht5Rgf9rsG5UIkwNBKijRF1mtnuYoN5HlLvA/s1600/DSCF2827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KJe9te7SWD2YTy3QYT8jHmRY4qVlDhetiU5TPSOyuv7KrNJagJl1JYSUvBL2bzcw7kfhyphenhyphenK0Ewv216S3g03MlZptDBmZ46XFpdLnWiIOnht5Rgf9rsG5UIkwNBKijRF1mtnuYoN5HlLvA/s320/DSCF2827.JPG" width="320" /></a>Using white glue, fix the front and back of your frame to your "art."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1GfN9rMvC1A5AGynwFXgsjRP8_WIh2-rlanRZ2BbgvbbLcU_oeBcX5RtXSAmWEsdqxEX8EnjaIMw9SLzKFnW2HpMoQzC9J2wCgafJPZ_LV813wbczs9OtiyrDyoMGHPG3tIc4KfJ72lT/s1600/DSCF2828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1GfN9rMvC1A5AGynwFXgsjRP8_WIh2-rlanRZ2BbgvbbLcU_oeBcX5RtXSAmWEsdqxEX8EnjaIMw9SLzKFnW2HpMoQzC9J2wCgafJPZ_LV813wbczs9OtiyrDyoMGHPG3tIc4KfJ72lT/s320/DSCF2828.JPG" width="320" /></a>Find a pair of patterned scissors, if you have them, to trim up the edges and make it cute.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiJm6mpevdkxaBrN4bACBEE0QZX0JUoZRB3u6vNqxNqgLivks8WvvO0_6ATtqU1vRboTfdk17z0S9M3ZlI68qMCOHTJwaPrlzeYYkKyWHhZVq8vUBTxqARlMWmrLFuhotGaHJzaxvy1_M/s1600/DSCF2829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiJm6mpevdkxaBrN4bACBEE0QZX0JUoZRB3u6vNqxNqgLivks8WvvO0_6ATtqU1vRboTfdk17z0S9M3ZlI68qMCOHTJwaPrlzeYYkKyWHhZVq8vUBTxqARlMWmrLFuhotGaHJzaxvy1_M/s320/DSCF2829.JPG" width="320" /></a>Punch holes in either of the top corners. This is for your hanger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHTqhx4FqyMHXOUjkFq_YXzHf0V0j8gKOIjtHgehzvWWW9YbqsqspWs3EMo5v5lgs9P2Mkzr9gYVNw9cGo0y6qwdS9iiG8uCpRsHcm7jrjobhc1NXSaR7rabrtleLBCltmwLDSc1UARs2/s1600/DSCF2830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHTqhx4FqyMHXOUjkFq_YXzHf0V0j8gKOIjtHgehzvWWW9YbqsqspWs3EMo5v5lgs9P2Mkzr9gYVNw9cGo0y6qwdS9iiG8uCpRsHcm7jrjobhc1NXSaR7rabrtleLBCltmwLDSc1UARs2/s320/DSCF2830.JPG" width="320" /></a>Using a piece of ribbon or string, make a hanger.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TT4kkZNopQ8RY5bOrsXqLkLvwq8IBbNMMIfHa6A95mcEE-64LECPWILp-tHZVWfmn1kdI4chOa1jmN69-JXRvZQeIyy9Nq3OzgtRZGkOT_P4iKZegLCfiXn59_IfuKlfMmcW92iIUjzy/s1600/DSCF2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2TT4kkZNopQ8RY5bOrsXqLkLvwq8IBbNMMIfHa6A95mcEE-64LECPWILp-tHZVWfmn1kdI4chOa1jmN69-JXRvZQeIyy9Nq3OzgtRZGkOT_P4iKZegLCfiXn59_IfuKlfMmcW92iIUjzy/s320/DSCF2832.JPG" width="213" /></a>That's it! Find a sunny window in which to display your artwork!</div>
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<br />Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-4747103980962969432016-04-21T00:00:00.000-06:002016-04-21T00:00:28.010-06:00Food Storage: Buying in Bulk<div dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-qF_iR9S-8Kpm7QaksLKuv99J0L92oYeJOzEDCSHrbu9tclflTfJysvW-QIssD1fWZhegqY478C5AdFYAxxII1keITrOKQTK4FVhLSuWrQ4SqycNn73QmMyMxYV6hVxZ2B3k4fNV7ch8/s1600/20160402_192125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-qF_iR9S-8Kpm7QaksLKuv99J0L92oYeJOzEDCSHrbu9tclflTfJysvW-QIssD1fWZhegqY478C5AdFYAxxII1keITrOKQTK4FVhLSuWrQ4SqycNn73QmMyMxYV6hVxZ2B3k4fNV7ch8/s400/20160402_192125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It used to be that at our house buying in bulk and having a well-stocked pantry were just not things that happened. One day, though, something clicked and we began to realize that keeping the food items that we use most often on hand is much easier and cheaper than going to the store and back a million times. So, how does one keep the things they need on hand at all times, without going broke in the process? Buy as much as you can while items are on sale, while shopping with coupons, or while shopping at stores that provide bulk amounts at discounted prices (such as Costco or Sam's Club.) The questions you should ask yourself when selecting items to purchase are: Is this something my family will use on a regular basis? Do I have a means of storing this item long enough for my family to use it? Will my family go through enough of this item quickly enough that it doesn't spoil or go to waste? You should be able to answer "yes" to all three questions in order to select an item for purchase. Purchasing food that will not be eaten is wasteful, and we all know my opinion on <a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2014/08/wastefulness.html">wastefulness</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oAk4U09NQz7mMwvG_hM7K5AWDhyphenhyphenZzVgHcNPf7Q1zAZxs-9ml2mzdETMmbt9kYP_8F6tMcyAKWBtnNlBx8V_H4uSzqcherQ8Y1CwsPRufFZdHHcg2jOJhkt08pNhcQG-h4fzaWbTYHMx9/s1600/20160330_065819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9oAk4U09NQz7mMwvG_hM7K5AWDhyphenhyphenZzVgHcNPf7Q1zAZxs-9ml2mzdETMmbt9kYP_8F6tMcyAKWBtnNlBx8V_H4uSzqcherQ8Y1CwsPRufFZdHHcg2jOJhkt08pNhcQG-h4fzaWbTYHMx9/s320/20160330_065819.jpg" width="320" /></a>Let's talk about storage for a bit. Storing canned and prepackaged dry goods is fairly easy. Store in a cool dry place, rotate oldest product forward and newest to the back. In the restaurants I've worked at we remembered FIFO: first in, first out. I also like to face my canned and prepackaged dry goods, so that you can read the label and know what it is, and group like items together, such as all your veggies in one spot and another spot for broth and gravy. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmprhfqiQuz-3IAt0ZmYY5AyNrysniOG1HXAUEFVM2PAgSi2NH2jwJBbFHyGzX4eOiyzU9D8-cE7b6mxxkuF2MTOYWYvWxmYK5X-4uRnb5MwQooXd8FWjUuuILn-JbL3ofC8wjdCeLHSS/s1600/20160323_163056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhmprhfqiQuz-3IAt0ZmYY5AyNrysniOG1HXAUEFVM2PAgSi2NH2jwJBbFHyGzX4eOiyzU9D8-cE7b6mxxkuF2MTOYWYvWxmYK5X-4uRnb5MwQooXd8FWjUuuILn-JbL3ofC8wjdCeLHSS/s320/20160323_163056.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Frozen goods should also be pretty easy. If your food is individually wrapped, fine. If you have things you need to portion, remember to label and date your container. This way to know what you have, and when it went in, so that you can determine when it will go bad. For help here, please see my<a href="http://charadeelittlechuck.blogspot.com/2016/02/food-storage-load-up-your-freezer.html"> Load Up Your Freezer</a> post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQjwXCIYz6j2C-p_IQBsTLYxAvM4tzjQa0IIcKmSUwohw-P9g44kVTsRa-s2QRiipRBUnCDbzcbxqYwUjmB0H2BVSf04hwidUxncxZOEtyPyUQyDSqJrhmbT-Ifj6ci3qqjABXWI8Yx2/s1600/20160306_095800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcQjwXCIYz6j2C-p_IQBsTLYxAvM4tzjQa0IIcKmSUwohw-P9g44kVTsRa-s2QRiipRBUnCDbzcbxqYwUjmB0H2BVSf04hwidUxncxZOEtyPyUQyDSqJrhmbT-Ifj6ci3qqjABXWI8Yx2/s320/20160306_095800.jpg" width="240" /></a>Often times staple items such as sugar and flour are sold in large bags. Buying these commonly used ingredients in bulk is a very smart way to go, so long as you have a way to store it. Five gallon buckets will usually fill this role rather nicely. You can typically purchase buckets and specially designed lids at hardware stores, feed stores, or super centers. The lids that we use are called gamma lids, and are snap on lids with a screw on inner lid. This makes it fairly easy to access your food without having to constantly pry off the lids. It also allows you to open the bucket without accidentally dumping in any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the lid during storage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-OqB3_62-Nrll0fxi5lufPDPtLS0nbqMJFGm9n-X7zwdoMecLeC7sVGa0JwddxnIp8WELJ6VD-6pGi-h40G1fmO5qzq47Z7eUjZWCvKo1OFIEzUOad9Xmny-BKOOpaoBjt2zDw8wsiAd/s1600/20160320_151104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-OqB3_62-Nrll0fxi5lufPDPtLS0nbqMJFGm9n-X7zwdoMecLeC7sVGa0JwddxnIp8WELJ6VD-6pGi-h40G1fmO5qzq47Z7eUjZWCvKo1OFIEzUOad9Xmny-BKOOpaoBjt2zDw8wsiAd/s320/20160320_151104.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you don't have the money to invest in this bucket and lids system, just do what my mom did when I was growing up. Start purchasing your laundry detergent by the bucket. When the bucket is empty, thoroughly wash and dry it. Line it with a drawstring garbage bag and add your foodstuffs. Draw the top of the bag closed, fold it over and apply your lid. The garbage bag will prevent the aforementioned dirt and debris from being dumped into your food. No matter which method you use, remember to label your containers so you don't have to guess which bucket your bread flour might be in. At my house we have all-purpose flour, bread flour, corn meal, white rice, white sugar, and ramen noodles in buckets. Mom kept egg noodles, lasagna noodles, flour, sugar, powdered milk and pinto beans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVhRYQ1gzOB2zYa_3XfSQ_v3OXyNqrw5MWxAjmy_DVx52uIajopVAyUJQTYbcSy8I498uBCLm3Y8qLWRXkKQuzBH_1uY6oEAxQV_Ayfn9OqbSgdmsDTLyjRkve_tRCRpS5ynulIomlVjo/s1600/20160306_103344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVhRYQ1gzOB2zYa_3XfSQ_v3OXyNqrw5MWxAjmy_DVx52uIajopVAyUJQTYbcSy8I498uBCLm3Y8qLWRXkKQuzBH_1uY6oEAxQV_Ayfn9OqbSgdmsDTLyjRkve_tRCRpS5ynulIomlVjo/s320/20160306_103344.jpg" width="320" /></a>For those food items that you have a lot of, but not enough to justify a 5 gallon bucket, you can use half gallon canning jars. We use half gallon jars to store our salt, powdered milk, popcorn, coffee beans, brown sugar, lentils and chickpeas. (To name a few) You can purchase plastic storage caps for your jars, so that you don't have to mess with the ring and lid combo, and you can use a label maker to label all your products. For items you don't use often, you can buy a lid sealer what is compatible with a Food Saver vacuum storage system. It will vacuum seal a canning lid onto your jar to keep the food inside fresher longer.</div>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-20136562269659926432016-04-14T00:00:00.000-06:002016-04-14T00:00:01.964-06:00Ducks - The Basics<div dir="ltr">
<h4>
Food</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5FMWSRvRB1j1mWIDaK8RU4PV6xUBN0FP0Ozv2soyo9NK-MgknSorjFXjiobrQ9rL6IcDyHtwh1E21wZHtTwJkMXzfWsRkYY2hbAb710XCWYJXlkLZIF4yw7JxpiBWI8Jz3DIpERVfnu5/s1600/12798872_1068259706545691_7849035661573157704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5FMWSRvRB1j1mWIDaK8RU4PV6xUBN0FP0Ozv2soyo9NK-MgknSorjFXjiobrQ9rL6IcDyHtwh1E21wZHtTwJkMXzfWsRkYY2hbAb710XCWYJXlkLZIF4yw7JxpiBWI8Jz3DIpERVfnu5/s320/12798872_1068259706545691_7849035661573157704_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscovy Duckling<br />
Photo Credit Andrea Malstrom</td></tr>
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Baby ducks should be fed a good quality duck starter, or a mix of gamebird and chick starter. The reason for the mix is that the feed needs to have extra niacin, from the gamebird feed, but not the high protein content. Not enough niacin causes problems with legs, too much protein causes problems with wings. Calcium supplements should not be given to baby ducks, as too much calcium can be toxic while a duck is growing. After your ducks are six months old, or after they have laid their first egg, these guidelines are no longer applicable. Adult ducks can be fed duck feed, all flock, or layer feed. Free ranging ducks will eat bugs, slugs, frogs, fishes, weeds, leaves, grasses and seeds. Good treats for well behaved little duckies are crickets, meal worms, or feeder goldfish. Just imagine watching your duckies swimming around their pond or pool, chasing and eating little fishes! Too fun! <br />
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<h4>
Water</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rouen/Pekin Cross<br />
Photo Credit Jillian Burge</td></tr>
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While ducks don't HAVE to swim to survive, they just love it so much! If possible, provide a pond or pool for your ducks to swim and splash around in. A hard plastic kiddie pool works great, is inexpensive to purchase, and easy to find. Ducks also like to wash their food. They will pick up a bill full of food, wash it in their water, eat the good bits, and leave the bad bits and dirt behind. A larger container will take longer to dirty than a small one. If it's not possible, you need to provide a water container that is deep enough to submerge the ducks' bills. Ducks use water to keep their nostrils clean, and can suffer from respiratory infections of not provided with water to keep their respiratory systems clean and operational. Change water containers frequently, to reduce risk of disease and provide your feathered friends a nice clean place to get cleaned up.<br />
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Shelter</h4>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-0QCPg3OtII5pDWjn-PGZl6NU27o1yObITKmmu1uENY6Sm3TxyhG_0COyKUFcvmONoTPS0DDBeM6-jRyA4Axzd8AMdloCs4Ogq0o2Sk7568hcMg4yeM8ngjYCN-DAEsx4cHQB1uZaxAb/s1600/10154149_1068259846545677_8422888654990377054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-0QCPg3OtII5pDWjn-PGZl6NU27o1yObITKmmu1uENY6Sm3TxyhG_0COyKUFcvmONoTPS0DDBeM6-jRyA4Axzd8AMdloCs4Ogq0o2Sk7568hcMg4yeM8ngjYCN-DAEsx4cHQB1uZaxAb/s320/10154149_1068259846545677_8422888654990377054_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Muscovy Drake<br />
Photo Credit Andrea Malstrom</td></tr>
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Just like any other critter, ducks need a clean, dry place to sleep. It is important to keep in mind whether or not your duck is a perching breed or a non-perching breed. Although most breeds of duck kept in the United States are non-perching species, there are a few breeds, such as Muscovy, that will seek out a spot to perch and sleep for the night. Keeping the floor of your duck's home clean and dry is essential. Soiled living quarters can result in an over growth of worms, infestations of mites, or infections. If you can, make sure that the floor of your duck's shelter is a non-porous surface which can be sprayed clean. Duck poop is sticky, icky and stinky, and it won't go away without a fight.<br />
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Company</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merle and Daryl with Their Goat and Chicken Buddies</td></tr>
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Ducks don't typically do well without companions. They like hanging out with ducks best, but they will hang out with other types of poultry such as geese, chickens, and turkeys as well, When we first got our Pekin hen Merle, she peeped and peeped whenever we put her down. Finally we relented and brought her a friend, our drake named Daryl. Now that Merle has passed away, Daryl is content to hang out with the chickens, and take naps with the goats.<br />
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Other Considerations</h4>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daryl's Drake Feather</td></tr>
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Some other things to keep in mind when deciding on ducks are: noise level, appropriate containment, and appropriate numbers. Some ducks are quieter than others, and it pays to do your research. Pekin hens, for example, are very loud, and they will quack at anything and everything they see. If you live in a neighborhood or have neighbors nearby, a Pekin, or similarly loud breed, is probably not the best choice. Another topic that it pays to research is how well your birds can fly. Heavier breeds may not be able to fly over a fence, or achieve liftoff for that matter, but there are some breeds that are exceptional flyers. Keep this in mind when evaluating the containment scenario for your little quackers. Lastly, having ducks in the appropriate ratios is important. If you have a male duck, you will want to try to provide a female companion for him. At least one female, but preferably two or three. Male ducks can be kind of frisky, and if you don't have at least one or two female ducks, they will seek out other female poultry to try to scratch that itch. How can you tell if you have a drake? Just look for the drake feather! Or, if you don't see a drake feather, listen to the quack. Female ducks have a loud, clear quack that sounds like what we all imagine a quack should sound like. Male ducks have a low, raspy quack. This video is the best one I have found so far to differentiate the sounds that male and female ducks make. The first duck is male, second is female, first duckling is male, second is female.<br />
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-46325631490515855852016-04-07T00:00:00.000-06:002016-04-07T00:00:17.234-06:00If You Can't Beat Them, Eat Them! Volume 3<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRoNHNKaRfUc3hSkue9fP3yV0liFdpQZumweILXFVGOfdMzbGHbRhTSyfRmqLN7wRux3xaA_9YS9HDGlWa-2IRuzzbYcSMfmfQexRhc0dRnxDe26nOK2eCh7bN8eUz5hzvZdMw8j8nbDY/s1600/20150411_112155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdRoNHNKaRfUc3hSkue9fP3yV0liFdpQZumweILXFVGOfdMzbGHbRhTSyfRmqLN7wRux3xaA_9YS9HDGlWa-2IRuzzbYcSMfmfQexRhc0dRnxDe26nOK2eCh7bN8eUz5hzvZdMw8j8nbDY/s1600/20150411_112155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Like most other species of wild mustard, blue mustard is edible. While some people may be put off by the stale smell of the plant, its leaves are eaten nonetheless. Young leaves may be used in salads containing other wild or dark leafy greens, such as dandelion. Larger, more mature leaves can be cooked, much like turnip greens or collard greens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosyUlDStxm1w_KiEATrF_p-4n4g4e_mtgA1uVxaMw_ynX-ny8FfjOPcX-NrB13lfnKdYlUGmfYjc8XhqCUiZjgIzS-Xaht9YRjghTK2qNEmKd0mKnn2lGy0mn7etFK1pC6Fvk33We0X3P/s1600/20150411_112136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhosyUlDStxm1w_KiEATrF_p-4n4g4e_mtgA1uVxaMw_ynX-ny8FfjOPcX-NrB13lfnKdYlUGmfYjc8XhqCUiZjgIzS-Xaht9YRjghTK2qNEmKd0mKnn2lGy0mn7etFK1pC6Fvk33We0X3P/s1600/20150411_112136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The most common recipes for mustard greens come from the Southern states in the US and involve cooking with pork and serving with vinegar. I found this excerpt in the comments section of a wild mustard article on <a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/cutting-the-wild-mustard-brassica-sinapis-2/">Eat the Weeds</a>:<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">Don’t pick the big leaves at the bottom of the plant. They will be sandy and more likely to be bitter. Don’t make extra work for yourself by picking sandy greens. Simmer them in a covered pot for about an hour (until tender) in about 3/4 – 1 inch of seasoned water (salt, pepper, and if you like it, add bacon fat), stirring occasionally, and checking the water. When they are nearly done, remove the cover to reduce the liquid, which is known as “pot likker” or “pot liquor.” Pot likker is nutritious and it is used for sopping cornbread or making soup." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Although these instructions are not specific to blue mustard, I think that it would work out just fine.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmwvAemaom74uisQjCULvRW7PL6nuseUsRLjbYtONmqjBdWVzWAH0XJiIy9VsQUSZS-0OxmcZmMRT4SjVcJv-y0JiD-TucmFGMiFTZR2IWPU7tSBuUlEdIYoWSwm6bcbfNKrtlg65s7bC/s1600/20150411_112220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmwvAemaom74uisQjCULvRW7PL6nuseUsRLjbYtONmqjBdWVzWAH0XJiIy9VsQUSZS-0OxmcZmMRT4SjVcJv-y0JiD-TucmFGMiFTZR2IWPU7tSBuUlEdIYoWSwm6bcbfNKrtlg65s7bC/s1600/20150411_112220.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Where I live, blue mustard grows in any available open space: along the roadside, in vacant lots, it will even make its way into your lawn if you let it!Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-65564599248431704152016-03-31T00:00:00.000-06:002016-03-31T00:00:14.168-06:00Crochet Rag Rugs<div dir="ltr">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uhEzqm0_wOcnIs989-D1QmaPp-oCz4sOymxuT8gdCb67QGR8wF2qLmPPDHiNiJnBy0F_mXczIE2ESfBMTi76aNr0lc-AY5Z09KqLbmECYb3TaqVx-aHN_7U7QpfVkSGNMa5z-DzCzNcq/s1600/20160330_073206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0uhEzqm0_wOcnIs989-D1QmaPp-oCz4sOymxuT8gdCb67QGR8wF2qLmPPDHiNiJnBy0F_mXczIE2ESfBMTi76aNr0lc-AY5Z09KqLbmECYb3TaqVx-aHN_7U7QpfVkSGNMa5z-DzCzNcq/s400/20160330_073206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul90Oe9FSdzTm-NCebHAKdYeIH6xuL0CEdBPpPN3JAGNCmT8nItGSRf-6McYUNdLBtRvYofZ0zeuYdySpyz5GgEteOUhQPQfLU0RrZd03cQn5k63Zm4FtUZaLcQfqyTPenu17QlI9PkZU/s1600/20140908_222042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjul90Oe9FSdzTm-NCebHAKdYeIH6xuL0CEdBPpPN3JAGNCmT8nItGSRf-6McYUNdLBtRvYofZ0zeuYdySpyz5GgEteOUhQPQfLU0RrZd03cQn5k63Zm4FtUZaLcQfqyTPenu17QlI9PkZU/s1600/20140908_222042.jpg" width="240" /></a>The first step to making a crochet rag rug is making your rag yarn. My favorite things to turn into rag yarn are sheets and pillow cases because they are cotton, they don't stretch, they come in all sorts of different colors and patterns, and you can find them cheap at thrift shops and yard sales! You could also use fabric scraps from sewing projects, or old t-shirts if you don't mind the stretchiness. Heavier fabrics like denim can be used, but will need to cut thinner and are a bit more difficult to work with (because they are heavier and thicker.) Choose a color scheme, hit the thrift shop, and stock up! Don't be afraid to mix patterns, because you won't likely be able to distinguish the patterns very easily once the fabric is in rug form. I just bought new pillow cases, so my source material for this demonstration will be all the random cases that I would have otherwise thrown away.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzdkU1jrIS3s38O31x90JsMrFbTJMNQ62TFZ4JWC8sgc51q6AQe1muuQf2jou8aLDp0LEMofU42fAVlApXmU8rKPz66ZInyU9UxYH7CdEy_Dt7aqC2oXVV5bA8XPumbFqQO37ZhFNi2aB/s1600/20140908_223200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzdkU1jrIS3s38O31x90JsMrFbTJMNQ62TFZ4JWC8sgc51q6AQe1muuQf2jou8aLDp0LEMofU42fAVlApXmU8rKPz66ZInyU9UxYH7CdEy_Dt7aqC2oXVV5bA8XPumbFqQO37ZhFNi2aB/s200/20140908_223200.jpg" width="150" /></a>Once your source materials are gathered, cut or tear into strips about 3/4 to 1 inch wide. I like to use pinking shears so there is less fraying and fewer strings to deal with.<br />
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Once you've got a pile of fabric strips you can get started sticking them together. There are a couple different ways that I know of to do this.<br />
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The first method is to sew the strips together, end to end to form your yarn. This will give you a cleaner look, but is more time consuming. Besides, I like a rustic look for my rag rugs, so I use the second method:</div>
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Cut a slit in the end of each strip.<br />
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Pass the end of one strip through the slit in the other, then pass the long end of the first strip through it's own slit.</div>
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This will make little slipknots, which are easier to work with while crocheting than if you had just tied the ends together, making big bulky knots.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaatvnd-eS9cT-DbD8nqac8qOG3fd2I3qtk1AagdgjaxewWVV3dQjsMlXhHVd9GZ9o2AnSMHYihS7ajNT34LjM1qAEDO-5PkcnRN9bbTfts4VQOWmOTkwQ_7XwO4tNaoCTnFj8POzdxFt_/s1600/20140911_231046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaatvnd-eS9cT-DbD8nqac8qOG3fd2I3qtk1AagdgjaxewWVV3dQjsMlXhHVd9GZ9o2AnSMHYihS7ajNT34LjM1qAEDO-5PkcnRN9bbTfts4VQOWmOTkwQ_7XwO4tNaoCTnFj8POzdxFt_/s1600/20140911_231046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sure that there are other ways of doing it, but I have yet to figure them out. So, these are the methods I go with!<br />
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If you need a bit more help with the attachment of the strips, here is a video that shows the method a bit clearer. Skip right to 5:08 for instructions on making rag yarn.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N4O0Vs1km7k/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N4O0Vs1km7k?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTWBFkfwUzDcjq9pZeRDBBdew92L8A5mbalTlVCeKlO-63x6cadCl349noP-LSzTaWNB3dsBuryT7v5DXGMNlnhpTKNfdeRYFEZ9BC5V_1c68b1tD7idr-cJDi_GvUV77J6MWXjjdmcjI/s1600/20140911_232045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTWBFkfwUzDcjq9pZeRDBBdew92L8A5mbalTlVCeKlO-63x6cadCl349noP-LSzTaWNB3dsBuryT7v5DXGMNlnhpTKNfdeRYFEZ9BC5V_1c68b1tD7idr-cJDi_GvUV77J6MWXjjdmcjI/s1600/20140911_232045.jpg" width="320" /></a>Wind your rag yarn into a ball as you add more strips, that way you won't end up with a huge tangle. Once you have a goodly sized ball, it's time to begin. I tend to make my fabric rugs into small round rugs, but there are all sorts of shapes and sizes you can make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUwwAENX3rAIWGsQLwGkj_8xnFDeOLOB_KI80e82l8wVRcGyy2GtfXaZdwDpa5YzxLpToKUZKRneWzxsng_1OyF5ViJZVu-BaiWYZ0_uOkcgFCvIpuSmb2cwx3WNQjChp5bMIUy6J3BUi/s1600/12552963_464080503778874_1448114403514738048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUwwAENX3rAIWGsQLwGkj_8xnFDeOLOB_KI80e82l8wVRcGyy2GtfXaZdwDpa5YzxLpToKUZKRneWzxsng_1OyF5ViJZVu-BaiWYZ0_uOkcgFCvIpuSmb2cwx3WNQjChp5bMIUy6J3BUi/s320/12552963_464080503778874_1448114403514738048_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've started a rectangular rug with the rag yarn I made for this post. In addition to circles and rectangles I've seen squares, ovals, hearts, and all sorts of different patterns and combinations. I found a few easy patterns online to give you some inspiration, and some guidance. I'm not a good pattern writer, so I found some folks who were!</div>
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<a href="http://goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/2009/10/circular-crochet-rag-rug-instructions.html">Circular Crochet Rag Rug</a></div>
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<a href="http://crochet.about.com/od/rag-crochet/ss/free-crochet-rag-rug-pattern.htm">Crochet Rectangle Rag Rug</a></div>
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<a href="http://crochetnmore.com/tresasbutterflyragrug.htm">Butterfly Rag Rug</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.alpacabytes.com/2010/05/28/fiber-arts-friday-crochet-rag-rug/">Rectangle Rows Rag Rug</a></div>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-3919588605769941082016-03-24T00:00:00.000-06:002016-03-24T00:00:09.004-06:00Scrap Yarn Afghans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really, really, really like to make afghans out of scrap yarn. It may be classified as a sickness, OCABD (Obsessive Compulsive Afghan Building Disorder.) Not sure, not a doctor. Anyhow, I'd like to share some of my kooky ideas and inspirations, and maybe you can get a glimpse into my afghan madness!</div>
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Although I like my afghans to look random, my anxiety and compulsiveness won't allow it. So, I devise a set of rules for each afghan. Crazy? Maybe. Effective? Certainly! I will include some examples of my "rules" with each sample afghan to illustrate my point. So, the most important first steps seem, to me, to be figuring out a theme or color scheme, and devising which pattern you would like to use. I've used various types of granny squares, granny triangles, stripes, v-stitch stripes, ripples, and even made a few star-shaped afghans.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfMOc-vpNRmwwnra8l7AApOc_S60TbEjnuudB2YlKP5RSb2ZAGx9jhrYxRIceq1P5XR_0Ym9e00OhFE6cCl8LasC33ykt0qW5oaBtHUkzqvuAUF7YKFmZ4R-fmv_N7LR3-d142abSzPDM/s1600/DSCF2116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfMOc-vpNRmwwnra8l7AApOc_S60TbEjnuudB2YlKP5RSb2ZAGx9jhrYxRIceq1P5XR_0Ym9e00OhFE6cCl8LasC33ykt0qW5oaBtHUkzqvuAUF7YKFmZ4R-fmv_N7LR3-d142abSzPDM/s320/DSCF2116.JPG" width="320" /></a>Granny squares, using variegated and multi-color yarn with no white in it (except the one square that is black and white only.) The centers of the squares are made up of two to five rows of the variegated color, then enough black edging to make the finished size six rows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis1wDnlwpGSELJVncXv18HfPWyxpxQWLPw0_uJMnUkV3lQLDmgDjdumyqPYxRIYETsDEehcqu-lmknJrhrAdVGd9cLfxMJnLk_nVKAezozzc3R34tIoXMT_1HXDay3cy8wHFloaxEKlFx/s1600/DSCF2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis1wDnlwpGSELJVncXv18HfPWyxpxQWLPw0_uJMnUkV3lQLDmgDjdumyqPYxRIYETsDEehcqu-lmknJrhrAdVGd9cLfxMJnLk_nVKAezozzc3R34tIoXMT_1HXDay3cy8wHFloaxEKlFx/s320/DSCF2618.JPG" width="213" /></a>Ripple afghan based on the pattern "Rustic Ripple" in the book "Ripple Afghans to Crochet" by Leisure Arts. Crocheted with two strands at once, and alternating colors in rainbow order. At least one row, but no more than five rows per two-stranded color combination.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgHIpI-irMyn0wbnXF5fyDUkTDTBX5gDIFtKQUeSutFJHio3eYkmRACvkJKH03QIfhiieCynoSoXz35GAiijaCDI1I60xxTXQlUE9yJ8vdRWxmaVN1EC3eAI_eT3fcN5fM3vGaVbQIYZO/s1600/11218494_10156661244530571_8578819941113999201_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKgHIpI-irMyn0wbnXF5fyDUkTDTBX5gDIFtKQUeSutFJHio3eYkmRACvkJKH03QIfhiieCynoSoXz35GAiijaCDI1I60xxTXQlUE9yJ8vdRWxmaVN1EC3eAI_eT3fcN5fM3vGaVbQIYZO/s320/11218494_10156661244530571_8578819941113999201_o.jpg" width="180" /></a>Based on "<a href="https://youtu.be/mS-PTao3mo4">Super Star Afghan</a>" by The Crochet Crowd on YouTube. All shades of yellow and gold. Each color is at least two, but no more than five rows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3tsr7zmzfX314R62POfB37B0KFTF_jQgqBgXCR5Kp2dhSLpn7ggQO3W_xGD5g49KSED0kuK7KQMNQvOCUjiUklH0XrJCPqQIbsmZaJToivs3bn8h-q3nZsKkfeYFcRJeWjVvq5ifrsb-/s1600/12771476_10156661257685571_3451312198769548963_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3tsr7zmzfX314R62POfB37B0KFTF_jQgqBgXCR5Kp2dhSLpn7ggQO3W_xGD5g49KSED0kuK7KQMNQvOCUjiUklH0XrJCPqQIbsmZaJToivs3bn8h-q3nZsKkfeYFcRJeWjVvq5ifrsb-/s320/12771476_10156661257685571_3451312198769548963_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
Granny Square Stripes. Each square is made of 1-2 rows of a color from the color scheme (red, burgundy, orange, peach, brown) and 1-2 rows of black, to make each square 3 rows in total. Crochet 80 squares. Ten squares are fastened together to form a strip, eight strips in total, and one of the contrast colors is used to make a row of single crochet around each strip. Using black, make a row of double crochet around each strip. Attach strips together with black, and finish with a row of double crochet around entire perimeter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqS5mSswDYE3l78Dk_njwLQpsHjraF9ZVNIA5d1qCzWpCqYtfTWErwCUQZtDMG5JbOfg2m2EwSPoezfh7j0lD_IHIOIO1j3QRl2UCKFp9hW3YQreiC0c2YkIBVsYA6ZxpUQMmPIzRl8jx/s1600/12792158_10156661246150571_4638516266647113315_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqS5mSswDYE3l78Dk_njwLQpsHjraF9ZVNIA5d1qCzWpCqYtfTWErwCUQZtDMG5JbOfg2m2EwSPoezfh7j0lD_IHIOIO1j3QRl2UCKFp9hW3YQreiC0c2YkIBVsYA6ZxpUQMmPIzRl8jx/s320/12792158_10156661246150571_4638516266647113315_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ripple afghan based on the pattern "Rustic Ripple" in the book "Ripple Afghans to Crochet" by Leisure Arts. Made with two strands of yarn at once. Colors are orange and peach, and variegated/multi-color yarn with orange in it as well. Alternate solid sections with variegated sections. Each section should be at least two rows, but no more than five.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx3FkcmloJ2yxpEGHWL8t0SzQO8vGmOxc7AjEQ2NKXM2wV7aXPhHbDxXwyr8U1Q9OFasOaYDGPuIJIaSZwMAZtdnn8U6srbGoeJ9MKl6luIA6rPC8R2dtdnC-INjL0aBAZ18a8svRhTXf/s1600/12802699_10205937170534475_5999394289011817359_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLx3FkcmloJ2yxpEGHWL8t0SzQO8vGmOxc7AjEQ2NKXM2wV7aXPhHbDxXwyr8U1Q9OFasOaYDGPuIJIaSZwMAZtdnn8U6srbGoeJ9MKl6luIA6rPC8R2dtdnC-INjL0aBAZ18a8svRhTXf/s320/12802699_10205937170534475_5999394289011817359_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Granny squares made with orange, green brown, and variegated yarn containing those same colors. Colored portions of squares are at least two, but not more than five rows. Edges are between 1-4 rows of white, enough to make each square six rows in total.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJNRMucdPwflv5vWfSu0hrle1_zuRN0HtHxejR9ymdC0NCaAmhNlvpp3rEKhF79fN8MdDHy9G7C02Sv1AVzcS7kqKwpy0GlUzIaCq7XhRIv-uwToH_SDMxB5jZDT73jNNq-_QqRO_D-fa/s1600/12813971_10205937169974461_1508558635558120296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJNRMucdPwflv5vWfSu0hrle1_zuRN0HtHxejR9ymdC0NCaAmhNlvpp3rEKhF79fN8MdDHy9G7C02Sv1AVzcS7kqKwpy0GlUzIaCq7XhRIv-uwToH_SDMxB5jZDT73jNNq-_QqRO_D-fa/s320/12813971_10205937169974461_1508558635558120296_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Wheel granny squares. Pattern can be found in "Vanna's Afghans A-Z," by Leisure Arts, as part of her "Zebra "Garden" pattern. Pink, purple, mauve, and blue, as well as variegated containing those same colors. First two rows of center "wheel" are same color, last row is different. First two rows of square portion are the same, last is different. All the squares are joined together by light pink yarn, using a single crochet and single crochet rows of various colors make up the border.<br />
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Now I just have about a dozen more to finish up! (sigh) I really may have a problem!</div>
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Thanks to my sister, Katie, and my aunt, Roni, for sending over pictures of the afghans I made for their families!</div>
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<br />Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6858202013562260304.post-6377076407680701482016-03-17T00:00:00.000-06:002016-03-17T00:00:08.490-06:00Chickens - Raising Chicks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chick brooder</td></tr>
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The first step to raising your chicks is to make them a brooder. Although you can make yourself a large, fancy, expensive brooder, if you'd like, a simple storage tote will work just fine. I like to use a clear tote, so that the birds can see out and get used to the "outside world." Place your brooder someplace where it will be warm and bright, but won't be drafty. Our brooder is in our dining room, close enough to the window to catch the sun, but far enough away that the chicks won't get cold. You will need some sort of bedding, I have used recycled paper bedding here, but pine shavings or some other type of bedding such as this should be fine as well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our chick accessories</td></tr>
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Now that they have a place to live, they need some accessories. You will need a feeder, a waterer, a lamp and bulb, chick grit, and chick starter feed. The feeder and waterer I got are just metal bases that you can screw mason jars onto to hold the food and water. It is cheaper than buying the larger style, and if you already have the jars, you might as well use them, right? Since chickens, like most other birds, use rocks to help them digest their food, your chicks will need some grit to help them digest. Chick grit is tiny bits of rock, just bigger than grains of sand, which the chicks can ingest and use to grind their food. We already had a heat lamp from when we owned our tortoise, and we used a 60-watt traditional style bulb to keep the chicks warm. Now, please note that there are a number of people who will warn against using a regular light bulb to keep your chicks warm. The claim is that it will not keep your chicks warm enough, and they will get chilled and die. While this is certainly true if you are raising many chicks at once, or are unable to hang your lamp low enough to achieve the proper temperature, for our three chicks, in our already warm house, with the sun shining in, and the lamp hung low enough, we have done just fine. How do I know it was warm enough for them? Two words: laser thermometer. Oh, and they didn't die. That too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chicks in their new home</td></tr>
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Once we put our brooder together with its accessories, we had to make a few adjustments. First, we put a pie plate under our waterer to keep wet bedding to a minimum, and we removed the hanger for the lamp which clamps to the side of the bin, and instead suspended the lamp above the brooder so that we could more easily maintain the correct temperatures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruby, Pauline Headbuttington, and Papa Emeritus II.</td></tr>
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When selecting chicks, take some time to observe them. You want to look for a chick who is eating, drinking and moving around. If a chick looks lethargic, is laying around, or doesn't seem to be eating or drinking, you should probably pass it up. Likewise, if it has cloudy eyes, dull or pale looking beak or feet, or if its breathing seems to be labored, it may be ill or under-developed. Look for bright shiny eyes, clear of mucus, clear nasal passages, good-looking down, and all the energy you would expect from an adorable baby animal. Don't let the salesperson scoop up any old bird to sell to you, show them the ones that you want. Otherwise, you may end up paying for a bird that is on its last legs.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 week old: impressive wing and tail feathers!</td></tr>
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Please note that these birds are eating, drinking, pooping machines and you will need to clean up after them frequently. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 week old chicks</td></tr>
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This also means that they will grow very quickly, and it is quite amazing the changes that happen seemingly overnight (and sometimes literally overnight!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My lid I added at around 3 weeks.</td></tr>
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Eventually the time came when my chicks began testing out their now hen-like wings. It only took one time finding a chick perched on the side of the brooder before I decided that a lid needed to be a thing we had. I drilled holes all across the lid for my bin, and used a saws-all to cut a hole large enough to accommodate my lamp, but not so large that a chick could escape through it. (Though they tried.)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 4, almost 5, week old peeping toms.</td></tr>
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When the chicks grew large enough to stare at me through the opening in the lid when I moved the lamp, I began contemplating their release. You should always make sure that your chicks are fully feathered, and that night time temperatures don't drop too low before putting your chicks outdoors. Ruby and Papa were ready to go out, but I decided to give Pauline a few more days, because she had been sick and lagging behind the other two.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 week old chicks look like tiny hens.</td></tr>
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I was very nervous to put my little hens outside, and I went to all corners of the yard to "bird-proof" so that there were no gaps or spaces in my fence where tiny birds could squeeze through and escape. I also monitored their interactions with the established group of chickens and ducks. It took a day or two for them to figure out their new food and water situations, but it only took a few feathers getting plucked to tell them to steer clear of the mean old "big birds." My hens were fine to go outside after just 5 weeks, but I have heard of many people who brood them longer.</div>
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Little Chuckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14490342137032342155noreply@blogger.com0