New Neighbor- The Swainson's Hawk, Independence Days Challenge, Cookbooks & The Digital Age, Crow Wreath For Fall

My new neighbor, a juvenile Swainson's

New Neighbor- The Swainson's Hawk-

We have some Sharp-Shinned hawks in our area, but recently saw this much bigger hawk across the street. A couple of days ago it was up in our backyard tree screeching. I spent quite a bit of time shooting photos until I got a couple of clear shots. I emailed them to the head person at the Birds Of Prey Center to see if she could I.D. it. It came back that it was a young Swainson's Hawk. They mostly eat insects, tiny birds and rodents. That's good! No chicken dinner! Gorgeous bird. 

From Dave's Every Things In Photos blog

My Hubby's photo, he had a better telephoto lens and open viewing

1. Plant Something-

Nope, not til next year. Too hot (90's) and once it freezes we're done. We may get a small greenhouse next year and move the veggie bed out another 4'-6' to be able to plant more. I like this one- 6'-x-4'-Greenhouse Starter Kit  This smaller size would fit our veggie garden about right. I think it would hold up well with the winds and storms. With this we could grow more earlier and later.

 2. Harvest Something-

Several kinds of peppers, tomatoes (mostly the little yellow ones), eggplants, blackberries, kale, collard greens, and herbs. Basil is finally big enough to make some pesto to freeze. My Italian parsley is finally perking up! Compost and eggs.

3. Preserve/Store Something-

Made more pickled red onions. Will can the choke cherry jelly soon. Bought more whole grain/teff rolls as .99 cents a bag at the outlet. Really wonderful flavor. Teff is an African grain that's getting popular. I heard about thru our refugee families. Teff- Bob's Red Mill

 4. Manage Reserves- Get a Good Deal/Barter/Stock Up/Prep-

I can't remember if I posted this before or not- I found 3 brand new Eddie Bauer women's cotton long sleeve tops, vee and round neck, at our Grocery Outlet. $5.00 each! Of all places, who knew? I knew they sold cheap, odd clothes but not a more name brand! I love EB stuff since it usually lasts forever! I got a beautiful periwinkle blue, buttercup yellow, and white. They list on their website at about $25.00 each. Ha! I'm set for fall, since I can use these alone, with vests, or sweaters. 

Dave and I found some nice, new 11 x 14" frames at Ross for his photography prints. Hard to find used ones in that size. He's also getting some old, never used free LED bulbs from a pal for the house. Dave had a good idea to start swapping LED into the house- every paycheck he buys one and installs it. Over time the whole house (except the 3 way bulbs) will be replaced. Much cleaner light and they last forever!!!

5. Eat the Food- Try New Foods/Recipe-

Took all my garden veggies and made a frittata, yummy! I'm cutting back on eating and starting to lost some weight. I'm happy I only gained about 5 lbs. during foot surgery recovery, but I need to get back on track. Working on more protein, lean meats, much less grains and sugar. Kind of Primal/Paleo, but with more chocolate!

I finally bought some Orange Blossom Water at Cost Plus, since I'd heard it's a really great beverage drink and cooking ingredient. I found this and may try it: A Cool Drink  I rarely drink alcohol so this sounds great! This may be the best set of ideas: 10 Things to Do With Orange Blossom Water I've seen so far! Ooh on fruit salad!

 6. Build Community Food Systems- 

Bought local produce last week, berries and corn, awesome! Need to harvest some rhubarb, but I keep forgetting. Will sell eggs when I go back to school.

7. Recycle/Re-Use- 

Dave got 2 free end tables from a co-worker's house, they matched Dave's desk perfect. Same style, like new. :) I bought a cute, new knob from Cost Plus for the one that will go into the living room soon. Cleaning out book case for donations. Getting into storing those pages digitally (more below). 

 8. Skill Up- Learned how to spot oven-proof skillets, vs. not.

9. Regenerate What is Lost/Salvage Something-

Furniture above. 

One of my favorite cookbooks and he's so dang cute!

Cookbooks & The Digital Age-
Recently I found four cookbooks at the local library. I was going to copy and print the pages I needed, then I had a second thought- why not save the paper and ink and save them as a digital file? Bearing in mind, I do have a computer in the kitchen/dining area. The kitchen area came with a desk already built in so it's perfect. I also started going thru cookbooks on my book case and went into the same mode- I will scan what I will actually use, then donate the books to a charity. Or maybe sell them on eBay? Or save them for a giveaway! Why not? Less paper, and the pages won't get dirty!

Crow Wreath For Fall-
I saw this online ($69.00 ouch!) and thought it was too cute for fall! I think I'll make one :) From Williams Sonoma  I've never shopped there but found a great deal for an oven-proof skillet (with lid) that doesn't weigh a ton, good deal! Calphalon Covered Fry Pan  Shhhh, don't tell anybody, shipping's free! I normally don't go for non-stick, but I may this time. I'll look at it in the store.