Come visit us at the Connecticut Country Store!

Come visit us at the Connecticut Country Store!
Smart Folks Shop Local!

Thought for the moment.....

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

What's for dinner!

Tonight we had apple pie for dinner!  I got a new peeler, corer, slicer and had to try it out.  This is what adults eat for dinner when there are no kids around :)











Saturday, September 25, 2010

September 25, 2010

John spent the day at the Woodstock Agriculture Fair while I watched the store.  I had time between customers to spin some of the camel wool I got from Janet of Circle K Farm.  I used a Navaho 3 ply method to finish off the yarn which I learned from my friend Susan.  Here is a pick;

Friday, September 24, 2010

September 24, 2010

A few years ago 'Animal, Vegetable, Miracle' inspired me to eat more thoughtfully. To eat the foods here that are fresh and delicious and made by our nieghbors and friends. Tonight I had chicken that was raised across the street with raspberry/jalepano jelly from my garden and rice with butter from a local farm and my own banana bread for dessert and a homebrew nut brown ale and it was awesome. And for those who know me all too well - yes I did fry my banana bread in butter - there is no other way :)


I've read lots and lots of books and magazines and articles (my dad is very good about stocking my shelves) about sustainable living and the foods we eat. When we began this adventure into sustainable living and making better choices it seem insurmountable. What I have learned these past few years is that you take it one step at a time, one day at a time, even one moment at a time.  I have also learned that there a lot of things words on paper cannot describe or teach you, and for those things you can rely on friends and family to show you the way.

One of our main objectives in this adventure was to teach others sustainable living practices.  Although we have done a little, we have so much more to do!  In 2011 I will make one of my main objectives in the store to reach out to others and encourage the small changes that can make a difference.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Collecting and harvesting honey!

I posted a youtube video of collecting and harvesting honey but I'm afraid it is more than a little limited.  One of our video cameras didn't work and the quality is fuzzy.  you get a good idea of what we did, though.  The honey is almost all filtered now.  Tomorrow I will set the bees up with sugar water, protien patties, and a mouse blocker.  I was also advised to insulate the hive for the winter.  Click here for video!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Harvesting!!!!!!!!!!

We spent the day harvesting wool from the bunnies and honey from the bees (not at the same time, that would bee messy)!  We had a very busy and productive day.  John got the largest pumpkins I have ever seen from a farm in Woodstock, CT.  There are plenty of beautiful mums bursting with blossoms.  I love the fall, and I hope to love it even more when this honey my bees made in my own backyard TACKLES my allergies!

Silky and Cochin Hut 2011

Guineas in their new flight cage!

Easy Bantam Nesting Boxes

Easy Homemade Bread!