the sea monsters that flowers become

when echinacea petals start to wilt the flower looks like a purple octopus swimming in the wind.

the milky resin helps create a foamy sea and monster tentacles look on grindelia.

soil well

it was finally warm enough to plant tomatoes outside a few weeks ago. i decided to experiment a bit with planting methods. generally, tomatoes are planted 6-12 inches deep in the soil, depending on the size of the seedling. the reason for this is that tomatoes will sprout roots along their stems. so deeper plantings establish a strong root system. this time, i planted the seedling just a few inches deeper. then, working about 6-8 inches from the stem, i built a circular embankment with the soil around the plant. i've noticed in the past that when i water, it runs off the rows and into the walkways. so i thought doing this would help keep the water around the tomato plant. this way, when i water, i can fill the well without all the water running off. then it will hopefully get to those deep roots. my next step will be adding a mulch on top, to conserve the moisture in the soil longer during those warm summer days.

nettle and violet leaf spanakopita*

spring foraging at its tastiest.
2 lb. nettle and violet leaf (combined)
1 small onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 c. water
2 lb. tofu
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
1 T. oregano
1 t. tarragon
1 t. parsley
2 t. miso
1/2 c. nutritional yeast
salt/pepper, to taste
1/2 c. kalamata olives
1/2 c. pine nuts
olive oil
8 sheets filo
saute onion and garlic in 2 T. olive oil, till onion are tender. add violet and nettle leaves. add water, and stir for just a minute or two till the leaves are wilted. mash tofu with a fork, and add all the rest of the ingredients except olive oil and filo. brush the bottom of a 9x13 dish with olive oil. cut 8 sheets filo in half. to assemble: lay a single sheet of filo in the pan, brush with olive oil. repeat this process till half of the filo is used. put the tofu mix into the dish. repeat the filo and olive oil process. bake for 45-50 minutes at 375 degrees, till golden brown.

*young nettle can still sting a bit, so take necessary precautions. violet leaf is considered an emetic, so if you're unused to eating it, start with small quantities. as with all foraging, know what you're harvesting, and don't harvest on the side of the road.

The Wild Beasts of Massachusetts

Not far from where we live are some nice wandering spots. Hiking through one of these spots, we came across some Massachusetts wildlife. I'm not sure if they're native, but they did seem domesticated. I was able to get close enough to feed one a carrot.

West to East

here are some pictures of our magical journey from eugene, oregon to pelham, massachusetts.......
resting before the long drive

idaho

shiveringly cold utah....with the nicest rest stop bathroom. ever.

snow drift on the never ending up up up road in wyoming

frozen tangerine sorbet! recipe? leave tangerines outside during a freezing cold winter night. easy peasy!

after oh....10? hours of driving....

and finally, some much need rest (and liquor) in lexington

how to not be recognized as the person learning to drive

one of the most important parts about driving cross-country is learning how to drive a stick shift. the last time i drove a stick was when i was 16. i stalled at the top of a very steep hill and the car (containing two young children in the back seat) started rolling downhill. unfortunately, we ended up in the wrong lane staring at traffic staring at us.....needless to say, i decided to stick with automatics from then on. but now we have a stick shift, and i have to learn how to drive it.
step 1: thorough research into the theory of driving stick shift. i read, i took notes, and i drew pictures.
step 2: a disguise. who wants to be seen lurching around a parking lot in a big tan van?

step 3: practice to become perfect. i actually managed to not stall in the parking lot. nor did i hit any bicyclists or parked cars. so all in all, not bad.

nymmh

here she is in all her sickly glory (she's no longer sick....but was when these pictures were taken.....)