My eldest’s favorite shirt is a Medusa print t-shirt her Aunt gave her around four years ago. We recently bought her a second one, since the first image was wearing away, but she still wears the first one, and it has become creepy cool the way the print has worn off.
We bought the new shirt here (so I have a reference when I need to rebuy it in another four years.)
We were having high winds when I did my chicken camera check the other day. My hens were keenly aware of the unsettling howling wind noises outside their coop.
There are eight chickens in this picture, although you can only see the shadow of the two that get the prime back corner spot. This is their usual configuration at night, but without the strained intensity.
I have had plastic grocery bags waiting to be processed into plarn (plastic yarn) for … well, let’s just say it has been awhile.
The technique I have been using involves folding and cutting one bag at a time, which is why they have languished on the hook, waiting. I decided to try a different method, using a cutting board and a rotary wheel. I pull each bag flat, which easiest by finding the bottom corner and pulling on the handle, and stack it on the cutting board. Pictured is a stack of five bags. I then used a ruler that is one inch wide and my rotary cutter to cut off the sealed bottom.
I continue up the bags, cutting one inch strips using the ruler, until I reach the handles. This gives me approximately 60 plastic loops for 13 passes of the cutter. I do discard the bottom and top of the bag. I have cut up to seven bags at the same time comfortably, and could probably go higher, when I’m feeling brave.
It is definitely worth getting out the cutting board and rotary cutter to process bags, this goes so much faster than with scissors. The loops are more consistent as well, using the ruler, than eyeballing the angle with scissors.
I had an interesting piece of ginger root in my grocery order. As I sliced it, I made heart shapes because of the naturally occurring crease in the side of the root. What a pleasing serendipity.
I sliced the ginger to make Singer’s tea, which is a wonderful tonic for raspy and sore throats. The recipe calls for boiling 8” of ginger, in enough water to cover, for 45 minutes. I did that the first time, but tried the Instapot the second time for 10 minutes on high. Much less water loss. Here is the way I make it:
Slice ginger root in approximately 1/4” slices, add to Instapot, add water to cover. Add cayenne pepper. Pressure cook for 10 minutes on high, natural pressure release. Strain out ginger slices. Add honey, lemon juice, and apple cider. If the heat of the ginger is still too much, dilute with water. Keep in fridge. I do not reheat the tea to sip it (and it needs to be sipped). I feel the warmth in my throat, a soothing gentle warmth that also clears mucus. This has been especially helpful for me on high allergen days, and the day after intense chorus practice.
Honestly “to taste” means I don’t really measure, but taste it, add a dollop, stir, taste again. You know, scientific-like. Ha.
This is Mr Tom’s buddy, that hangs out in the meadow with him, and will sometimes accept treats, from a distance. He is fixed, and probably remembers I had something to do with it. The two white whiskers are quite charming, even with the death stare.
Critters and Craft 